Menu
21/01/2004
Donor children win right to learn parent's identity
Children conceived through sperm, egg and embryo donations will be able to learn the identity of their donor when they reach 18 years of age, the government announced today.
Under the new regulations, only people who donate after April 1 2005 will be identifiable. People who donate before this date will not be subject to the new rules.
However, as is the case now, the donor will continue to have no financial or legal obligations towards the child.
Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson told the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority annual conference in London that she believed donor-conceived people had a "right to information" about their genetic origins, including the identity of the donor.
"There is a growing body of opinion, which I agree with, that donor-conceived people should not be treated so differently from adopted people," she said.
"Today's new regulations will align their positions, removing the major discrepancy that exists between the rights of donor-conceived people and those of adopted people.
"There are strong opinions on all sides of this issue but in making my decision one thing was always clear. The interests of the child are paramount. We live in an age where, as technology continues to develop, our genetic background will become increasingly important."
The proposals follow a two-year consultation with infertility clinics, voluntary organisations and donors. The Department of Health is to undertake a review of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) Act, which was introduced in 1991 to regulate the field of assisted conception.
Miss Johnson said the Act had "stood the test of time remarkably well", but that a review of the law was now "inevitable".
"My aim is to ensure that the HFE Act is well placed to continue to be effective in the 21st Century," she added.
Nearly 25,000 people have been born through sperm, egg and embryo donations since 1991.
(gmcg)
Under the new regulations, only people who donate after April 1 2005 will be identifiable. People who donate before this date will not be subject to the new rules.
However, as is the case now, the donor will continue to have no financial or legal obligations towards the child.
Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson told the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority annual conference in London that she believed donor-conceived people had a "right to information" about their genetic origins, including the identity of the donor.
"There is a growing body of opinion, which I agree with, that donor-conceived people should not be treated so differently from adopted people," she said.
"Today's new regulations will align their positions, removing the major discrepancy that exists between the rights of donor-conceived people and those of adopted people.
"There are strong opinions on all sides of this issue but in making my decision one thing was always clear. The interests of the child are paramount. We live in an age where, as technology continues to develop, our genetic background will become increasingly important."
The proposals follow a two-year consultation with infertility clinics, voluntary organisations and donors. The Department of Health is to undertake a review of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) Act, which was introduced in 1991 to regulate the field of assisted conception.
Miss Johnson said the Act had "stood the test of time remarkably well", but that a review of the law was now "inevitable".
"My aim is to ensure that the HFE Act is well placed to continue to be effective in the 21st Century," she added.
Nearly 25,000 people have been born through sperm, egg and embryo donations since 1991.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 July 2008
Hundreds Attend Heart Transplant Girl's Funeral
The funeral has taken place of two-year-old transplant patient Zoe Chambers. The East Yorkshire toddler, died suddenly on 12 July just a month after celebrating the first anniversary of her life-saving operation. Her funeral at Hull's Northern Crematorium was attended by hundreds of mourners.
Hundreds Attend Heart Transplant Girl's Funeral
The funeral has taken place of two-year-old transplant patient Zoe Chambers. The East Yorkshire toddler, died suddenly on 12 July just a month after celebrating the first anniversary of her life-saving operation. Her funeral at Hull's Northern Crematorium was attended by hundreds of mourners.
23 August 2012
Record-Breaking Year For Organ Transplants
In a record-breaking year, 3,960 transplants were carried out in the UK in 2011/12, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) announced today. The Organ Donation and Transplantation Activity Report 2012 shows the seventh year of growth in the number of transplants.
Record-Breaking Year For Organ Transplants
In a record-breaking year, 3,960 transplants were carried out in the UK in 2011/12, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) announced today. The Organ Donation and Transplantation Activity Report 2012 shows the seventh year of growth in the number of transplants.
12 October 2004
Awareness campaign leads to rise in transplant ops
Last year saw a 3% increase in the number of transplant operations that took place in the UK in 2002, according to the health department.
Awareness campaign leads to rise in transplant ops
Last year saw a 3% increase in the number of transplant operations that took place in the UK in 2002, according to the health department.
29 May 2009
Widespread Use Of Aspirin Slammed
A new study in The Lancet medical journal has found that healthy people who take aspirin reduced their already small risk of heart attack or stroke by just 12%. However, the small risk of internal bleeding increased by a third.
Widespread Use Of Aspirin Slammed
A new study in The Lancet medical journal has found that healthy people who take aspirin reduced their already small risk of heart attack or stroke by just 12%. However, the small risk of internal bleeding increased by a third.
27 November 2014
Elderly People Struggle To Cope With Basic Tasks - Report
Over two million elderly people living independently in England are struggling to cope with basic tasks, such as cooking, dressing or bathing, according to new research.
Elderly People Struggle To Cope With Basic Tasks - Report
Over two million elderly people living independently in England are struggling to cope with basic tasks, such as cooking, dressing or bathing, according to new research.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
