Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) 19/7/02. By Deirdre Janson-Smith The HFEA regulates any UK research or treatment involving the creation, storage and use of human embryos, and the storage and use of human eggs and sperm.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is a statutory body, created in 1991 under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act. Its primary remit is to license and monitor UK clinics that offer IVF (in vitro fertilisation) and DI (donor insemination) treatments, and all UK-based research into human embryos. It also regulates the storage of eggs, sperm and embryos. The HFEA also has a duty to review all new developments in treatment and research, to engage in public debate and to advise ministers.

The HFEA Code of Practice provides detailed guidelines for clinics on the requirements of the Act. Clinics may be inspected at any time to ensure that they maintain the highest medical and professional standards. The welfare of the child to be born is paramount and must be carefully considered before any treatment is started.

The HFEA issues guidance on parental rights and responsibilities for anyone considering infertility treatment or wishing to donate eggs or sperm, and offers advice and information. Among its publications are 'The Patient's Guide to Infertility and IVF', 'The Patient's Guide to IVF Clinics' and 'The Patient’s Guide to DI'.

The HFEA collects information about donors, treatments and children born as a result of treatment. From 2008, anyone aged 16+ (if contemplating marriage) or 18+ may be told whether or not they were born as a result of fertility treatment and, if so, whether they are related to the person they want to marry. No information about patients, their children and donors can be given out under any other circumstances.

The HFEA came into being as result of public concern about the potential risks of infertility treatments and embryo research. It is actively involved in public debate about the ethics of in vitro fertilisation and increasingly in embryo research, and offers advice to ministers as required (for example on the extension of the act to cover therapeutic cloning). Its Chair is an ex officio member of the Human Genetics Council.

The HFEA has 21 members, appointed by the UK health ministers. The HFE Act defines the composition of its membership to ensure that the Authority remains independent, and includes a wide range of expertise. More than half of the members must come from disciplines other than medicine and human embryo research. The Chair, Deputy Chair and at least half of the membership must be chosen as individuals rather than as representatives of any organisation.

The HFEA reports to the Secretary of State, and publishes its report annually.