Assisted conception and embryology

A wide range of assisted conception treatments and services (often referred to collectively as Assisted Reproduction Technology "ART") are available to patients who are experiencing difficulties in having a child. Some of the more complex activities are currently regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990. The Act covers treatments involving the creation of embryos outside the body e.g. in vitro fertilisation "IVF" and the use of donated gametes (sperm and eggs) and embryos. The Act also regulates the storage of gametes and embryos and human embryo research. Clinics or research centres wishing to carry out any of these activities must first hold a licence from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, an executive non-departmental public body created by the Act for this purpose.