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New arrangements for the storage of gametes & embryos
The amendments to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, which come into force on 1 October 2009, will change the statutory storage period for embryos from 5 to 10 years. The maximum storage period will also be extended to 55 years.

Get ready - 8th Code of Practice, consent forms and Directions
The 8th Code has been updated to reflect changes in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 and in HFEA policy. The consent forms and Directions have also been updated in line with the amended Act. 

New parenthood laws
The law around legal parenthood following fertility treatment changed in April 2009. The change affects both fertility treatment patients and clinics. The HFEA reviewed its policies to reflect the law change.

Compliance cycle
With the introduction of the new Act, we’ve looked at how we can improve what we do as part of the Government’s Better Regulation initiatives. This, and discussions we’ve had with you, have prompted us to look at how we inspect the fertility sector.

Donor information access review
Due to recent amendments to the HFE Act, the HFEA is required to make changes to the type of information it provides to those affected by donation.

Use of embryos for training
The HFEA’s Licence Committee has agreed to vary all IVF treatment licences to include training. Centres will only be able to use embryos for training for activities authorised by the HFEA. The HFE Act 1990 (as amended) prohibits the creation of embryos for use in training. The Authority cannot, therefore, lawfully authorise the training of persons to perform intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Embryo testing
The HFE Act 2008 has brought the regulation of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) onto a statutory footing for the first time. This required HFEA to revise how it licensed embryo testing.

Using patient data to help improve fertility treatment
From October 2009 new legislation will allow the HFEA to release identifying information about a patients’ treatment to researchers.

Choose a Fertility Clinic
Our new ‘Choose a Fertility Clinic’ will present clinic data in a more meaningful way.

Clinic staff portal
HFEA is introducing an online clinic portal which centres will use to provide information on their licensed activities and provide statutory and non-statutory information.

New licences for clinics
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 introduced new conditions which are applicable to all centre licences. Read about the new arrangements