Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 to be reviewed 06/11/03. By the Public Health Genetics Unit The UK Parliament Science and Technology Committee has announced that it will review the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, in response the refusal of the Government to update the Act to take account of new technologies.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the agency tasked with regulating reproductive technologies as covered under the Act, has been challenged in court on several issues recently, such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis and consent issues related to frozen embryos, indicating that the Act needs to be updated. However, the reluctance of the Government to make these changes has moved the Committee to take this action.

Background: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (1990)

The Committee intends to consult widely on the issues involved, including an 'e-consultation', in order to inform its decisions. Further details on the consultation process will be announced in the near future.

Article courtesy of the Public Health Genetics Unit .