Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is a statutory body in the United Kingdom that regulates and inspects all UK clinics providing in vitro fertilisation, artificial insemination or the storage of human ova, sperm or embryos.
The HFEA also licenses and monitors all human embryo research conducted in the UK. In addition, it carries out a policy role, advising the UK legislators of changes that it believes should be made to fertility legislation. The HFEA has been repeatedly criticised for neglecting its regulatory role in favour of its policy advisory role.
In response to concerns about the direction, role, structure and accountability of the HFEA, the UK government instigated a consultation and review process of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act in 2004. [1]
[edit] Recent decisions of the HFEA
Recent decisions of the HFEA have caused much controversy.
- In 2004, the HFEA granted British scientists a licence to clone human beings, making it only the second country in the world to permit such a procedure. [2]
- In 2005, the HFEA granted a licence to create an embryo with two genetic mothers. [3]
- In 2006, the HFEA granted permission to screen embryos for genes that may lead to certain cancers in middle age.
[edit] External links
 This article about an organisation in the United Kingdom is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
 |
This article about a medical organization or association is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
