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HUMAN FERTILISATION AND
EMBRYOLOGY AUTHORITY (HFEA)The HFEA is a statutory public body set up after The Human Fertilisation and
Embryology Act of 1990 which came about largely as a result of the findings of
the 1984 Warnock Committee report. The development of new methods of assisted
conception affects family life and it is important that the legal, social and
ethical implications are considered in order to protect the public. A major
function of the Authority is to inspect and license treatment centres. It has
several other responsibilities including the following. - To publish a Code of Practice giving guidance to centres on how they should
carry out licensed activities.
- To keep a confidential register of information about donors, patients and
treatments.
- To publicise its role and the services which licensed centres provide.
- To give advice and information to licensed centres.
- To give information to people seeking fertility treatment, to donors, to
people who may need to store their sperm, eggs or embryos for medical reasons
and to the general public.
- To keep the whole field of fertility treatment and research under review,
whether the activities are licensed or not, and make recommendations to the
government if asked to do so.
The HFEA produces a free booklet called 'Patients guide to DI (donor
insemination) and IVF (in vitro fertilisation) clinics'. This lists all clinics
with information about the clinics plus lots of general information about
infertility. It is recommended to anyone seeking a referal for DI or IVF
treatment.
Human Fertilisation And Embryology Authority (HFEA)
Paxton House
30 Artillery Lane
London
E1 7LS  020-7377 5077
 020-7377 1871
 http://www.hfea.gov.uk
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