What is the HFEA and what does it do?
The HFEA was set up to license, monitor and regulate clinics performing IVF and treatments using human sperm, eggs and embryos.
The HFEA:
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inspects and licenses clinics offering treatment to infertile couples;
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publishes a Code of Practice for centres carrying out licensed treatment;
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gives advice and information to patients, clinics and doctors;
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publishes patient information such as 'Your Guide to Infertility', 'Patients' Guide to IVF clinics', 'Patients' Guide to DI'and other booklets available in our unit.
We must have an HFEA licence to provide PGD treatment for each genetic condition that we offer. We can however apply to the HFEA for other conditions.
Welfare of the child
Under the terms of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (2008), we must consider the welfare of any existing or future child(ren) born as a result of treatment.
As part of this initial assessment, we will ask you to complete a questionnaire. If any information you give us raises concerns, we will discuss these with you and ask you to meet with a counsellor. Very occasionally, we may need to delay or cancel your treatment.
The HFEA register
Although most couples requesting PGD will not need egg or sperm donation, some will. The HFEA keeps a confidential register about patients, donors and treatments. This register was set up on August 1, 1991 and has information about children conceived from licensed treatment since that date.
If you are:
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aged 16 or over and considering getting married or
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aged 18 or over
you can ask the HFEA whether you were born as a result of licensed assisted conception treatment, and if so, whether you are related to the person you want to marry.
Information from donors
The HFEA collects information from egg and sperm donors on their physical appearance, interests and occupation, as well as identifying information about the donor, including their name and date of birth. Children conceived as a result of sperm, egg or embryo donation can access this information when they reach the age of 18.
Donations made anonymously before April 1, 2005 continued to be used in treatment until March 31, 2006. If you have had a child from an anonymous donor and wish to have a sibling, the donation may still be used up to the end of the maximum storage time for which consent was originally obtained.
Further information
If you would like more information about the HFEA, you can contact it directly at:
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
21 Bloomsbury Street
London WC1B 3HF
Tel: 020 7291 8200
Email: admin@hfea.gov.uk|
www.hfea.gov.uk|
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