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ABSTRACT: |
In the UK, following many years of consultation and debate, Parliament
passed the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act in 1990. This introduced
a system of detailed regulation of banks and clinics undertaking the
storage and use of gametes and embryos in the UK. The law established the
framework for the system and set up the Human Fertilisation and Embryology
Authority (HFEA) to implement it from 1991. The HFEA is required to
license and monitor centres which store or use donated gametes, and to
provide them with guidelines in a Code of Practice. The Code of Practice
contains guidance on practical clinical matters and also the HFEA's policy
on a number of social and ethical issues. The regulatory system was set up
to reassure the public, to protect the interests of potential children,
patients and donors, and to promote good practice in fertility research
and treatment. It works by consultation and cooperation between the HFEA
and the scientists and clinicians being regulated, although sanctions do
exist for use where needed. The HFEA is notable in regulating an area of
medical practice in such a detailed way. It has established itself as an
effective regulator and adviser, and has provided a basis for the
development of policy in the field of fertility treatment. |
