Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990

Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom (variant 1, 1952-2022)

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 is a significant piece of legislation in the United Kingdom that regulates the use of assisted reproductive technology and embryo research. The Act was introduced to address the ethical and legal issues arising from advances in reproductive medicine and genetic research.

Background

The Act was enacted in response to the recommendations of the Warnock Report, which was published in 1984. The report, led by Baroness Mary Warnock, provided a comprehensive review of the ethical implications of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and embryo research.

Provisions

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 established the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), which is responsible for regulating and licensing fertility clinics and research involving human embryos. The key provisions of the Act include:

• Regulation of the creation, storage, and use of human embryos outside the body.
• Licensing of fertility clinics and the establishment of standards for IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies.
• Prohibition of certain practices, such as human cloning and the creation of hybrid embryos.
• Regulation of the use of donor gametes (sperm and eggs) and the rights of donor-conceived people.
• Requirements for the consent of individuals involved in fertility treatment and embryo research.

Amendments

The Act has been amended several times to reflect advances in medical technology and changes in societal attitudes. Notable amendments include the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008, which updated the original Act to address issues such as the use of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and the regulation of saviour siblings.

Impact

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 has had a profound impact on the field of reproductive medicine and bioethics in the UK. It has provided a framework for the ethical and legal regulation of assisted reproductive technologies and has influenced similar legislation in other countries.

See also

• Assisted reproductive technology
• In vitro fertilisation
• Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
• Warnock Report
• Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008
• Bioethics