Menu
13/01/2005
HFEA launch probe into welfare of IVF children
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is launching a public consultation into how clinics should protect children born through fertility treatment.
The law currently requires clinics to make an assessment of the welfare of every child, before fertility treatment is provided. The HFEA provides guidance to clinics, based on these requirements, but these have been expanded and amended over the years, in accordance with new techniques and practises.
The consultation, which is entitled 'Tomorrow's Children', will focus on three main areas – the kind of enquiries which should be made to prospective parents and whether or not medical, social or other professionals should be involved; the factors to be taken into account, such as medical, physical and psychological risks and social factors and whether patients undergoing different kinds of treatment require different assessment and information.
Suzi Leather, Chair of the HFEA, said: "The law sets out the important principle that, before any treatment is given, clinics must consider the welfare of any child who may be born as a result. Our job as the sector's regulator is to ensure that this is delivered in practise."
Ms Leather suggested that a "reasonable, proportionate, fair and practical system" is required, which will provide children with protection, but also wouldn't "unjustifiably" hinder people who needed medical help to have children. She added: "We have to strike a difficult balance between the interests of prospective parents and the needs of children."
The consultation, which runs until April 7, will include public consultative meetings and discussions with particular groups, such as clinic staff and GPs. The HFEA will also be holding public events in Glasgow, Manchester and London in February and March, which are aimed particularly at people working in clinics, as well as patients, academics, lawyers and other groups. The authority also plans to speak with a number of patient and professional organisations on the subject, including Infertility Network UK and the British Fertility Society.
Angela McNab, HFEA Chief Executive said that the HFEA planned to use the results of the public consultation to develop new guidance, which will be in place by the summer. She added: "In this way, we can ensure an effective, fair and consistent system across the sector that acts in everybody's best interests."
A copy of the consultation document is available from the HFEA web-site at: www.hfea.gov.uk
(KMcA/SP)
The law currently requires clinics to make an assessment of the welfare of every child, before fertility treatment is provided. The HFEA provides guidance to clinics, based on these requirements, but these have been expanded and amended over the years, in accordance with new techniques and practises.
The consultation, which is entitled 'Tomorrow's Children', will focus on three main areas – the kind of enquiries which should be made to prospective parents and whether or not medical, social or other professionals should be involved; the factors to be taken into account, such as medical, physical and psychological risks and social factors and whether patients undergoing different kinds of treatment require different assessment and information.
Suzi Leather, Chair of the HFEA, said: "The law sets out the important principle that, before any treatment is given, clinics must consider the welfare of any child who may be born as a result. Our job as the sector's regulator is to ensure that this is delivered in practise."
Ms Leather suggested that a "reasonable, proportionate, fair and practical system" is required, which will provide children with protection, but also wouldn't "unjustifiably" hinder people who needed medical help to have children. She added: "We have to strike a difficult balance between the interests of prospective parents and the needs of children."
The consultation, which runs until April 7, will include public consultative meetings and discussions with particular groups, such as clinic staff and GPs. The HFEA will also be holding public events in Glasgow, Manchester and London in February and March, which are aimed particularly at people working in clinics, as well as patients, academics, lawyers and other groups. The authority also plans to speak with a number of patient and professional organisations on the subject, including Infertility Network UK and the British Fertility Society.
Angela McNab, HFEA Chief Executive said that the HFEA planned to use the results of the public consultation to develop new guidance, which will be in place by the summer. She added: "In this way, we can ensure an effective, fair and consistent system across the sector that acts in everybody's best interests."
A copy of the consultation document is available from the HFEA web-site at: www.hfea.gov.uk
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 November 2004
Consultation on sperm donation is launched
As part of a comprehensive review by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), a public consultation on sperm, egg and embryo donation has been launched today.
Consultation on sperm donation is launched
As part of a comprehensive review by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), a public consultation on sperm, egg and embryo donation has been launched today.
23 March 2010
Views Sought On Fertility Treatment
Patients have been urged to express their views on fertility treatment offered by the NHS in a new national survey. Human Fertilisation Embryology Authority (HFEA) said it aims to gauge the views and experiences of people throughout the UK who have had, are undergoing or are preparing for fertility treatment.
Views Sought On Fertility Treatment
Patients have been urged to express their views on fertility treatment offered by the NHS in a new national survey. Human Fertilisation Embryology Authority (HFEA) said it aims to gauge the views and experiences of people throughout the UK who have had, are undergoing or are preparing for fertility treatment.
03 November 2005
IVF parents to face fewer and faster checks
People seeking to use fertility treatment will face fewer checks, under new guidelines. Under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, fertility clinics have to assess the welfare of a child born via fertility treatment.
IVF parents to face fewer and faster checks
People seeking to use fertility treatment will face fewer checks, under new guidelines. Under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, fertility clinics have to assess the welfare of a child born via fertility treatment.
29 July 2005
Fertility watchdog seeks to reduce IVF risks
The UK regulator for fertility treatment, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), is looking to review the number of embryos transferred during fertility treatment. The review will determine whether the UK will reduce the number of embryos transferred back to women following IVF from two or three to one.
Fertility watchdog seeks to reduce IVF risks
The UK regulator for fertility treatment, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), is looking to review the number of embryos transferred during fertility treatment. The review will determine whether the UK will reduce the number of embryos transferred back to women following IVF from two or three to one.
12 November 2003
Baby gender selection should only be allowed on medical grounds
Using fertility techniques to choose the gender of one's offspring should only ever be made on medical grounds, a leading science authority has said today.
Baby gender selection should only be allowed on medical grounds
Using fertility techniques to choose the gender of one's offspring should only ever be made on medical grounds, a leading science authority has said today.
-
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.
