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24/03/2005
IVF patients could choose baby’s sex
A Science & Technology Committee report suggests parents undergoing IVF treatment may be able to choose the sex of their baby.
MP’s have called for the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA) to be disbanded claiming it was “taboo” research.
Fertility expert, Lord Robert Winston told BBC Radio 4 he also opposed the report and said people would not go through IVF to choose the sex of their baby, and the numbers who would want to do so were very small.
However, Chair of the HFEA, Suzi Leather, said it makes a number of bold and challenging recommendations, particularly around the freedom that doctors and scientists should have in the future to push back the boundaries of current practice.
“The big question for the fertility and research sectors in the future is how we will maintain patient safety, public confidence and minimise risks from developing technologies,” said Ms Leather. “The acid test for this report will be how well it deals with to the public’s concerns and meets the need to take these important areas of public interest forward.”
The British Fertility Society (BFS) welcomed the steps towards openness in fertility treatment but have concerns about the effects of the removal of anonymity on donor fertility services.
Alison Murdoch, Chair of the BFS, said: “15 years ago IVF was a novel treatment and not generally accepted. In 2005, nearly 2 per cent of all babies born in the UK are conceived with the help of assisted reproductive technologies. It is appropriate, therefore, that regulation is more consistent with that applied to other clinical treatments.”
(CD/SP)
MP’s have called for the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA) to be disbanded claiming it was “taboo” research.
Fertility expert, Lord Robert Winston told BBC Radio 4 he also opposed the report and said people would not go through IVF to choose the sex of their baby, and the numbers who would want to do so were very small.
However, Chair of the HFEA, Suzi Leather, said it makes a number of bold and challenging recommendations, particularly around the freedom that doctors and scientists should have in the future to push back the boundaries of current practice.
“The big question for the fertility and research sectors in the future is how we will maintain patient safety, public confidence and minimise risks from developing technologies,” said Ms Leather. “The acid test for this report will be how well it deals with to the public’s concerns and meets the need to take these important areas of public interest forward.”
The British Fertility Society (BFS) welcomed the steps towards openness in fertility treatment but have concerns about the effects of the removal of anonymity on donor fertility services.
Alison Murdoch, Chair of the BFS, said: “15 years ago IVF was a novel treatment and not generally accepted. In 2005, nearly 2 per cent of all babies born in the UK are conceived with the help of assisted reproductive technologies. It is appropriate, therefore, that regulation is more consistent with that applied to other clinical treatments.”
(CD/SP)
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26 August 2003
NHS may offer free fertility treatment
Couples with infertility problems should not have to pay for fertility treatment from the NHS, according to recommendations from a government watchdog.
NHS may offer free fertility treatment
Couples with infertility problems should not have to pay for fertility treatment from the NHS, according to recommendations from a government watchdog.
10 August 2006
Woman dies after IVF treatment
A woman has died after receiving IVF treatment at a hospital in England, it has been confirmed. The woman, who has not been named, underwent routine IVF treatment at the Royal Leicester Infirmary last week. According to reports, the woman was sent home, but was later readmitted to hospital after apparently developing complications.
Woman dies after IVF treatment
A woman has died after receiving IVF treatment at a hospital in England, it has been confirmed. The woman, who has not been named, underwent routine IVF treatment at the Royal Leicester Infirmary last week. According to reports, the woman was sent home, but was later readmitted to hospital after apparently developing complications.
01 October 2003
Women lose right to save frozen embryos
Two women have lost a High Court bid to gain control over their frozen embryos without the consent of their former partners. Natallie Evans, 31, and Lorraine Hadley, 38, had been seeking the High Court to rule on whether they could complete an in vitro fertilization programme that had been commenced with former partners.
Women lose right to save frozen embryos
Two women have lost a High Court bid to gain control over their frozen embryos without the consent of their former partners. Natallie Evans, 31, and Lorraine Hadley, 38, had been seeking the High Court to rule on whether they could complete an in vitro fertilization programme that had been commenced with former partners.
29 July 2005
Fertility watchdog seeks to reduce IVF risks
The UK regulator for fertility treatment, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), is looking to review the number of embryos transferred during fertility treatment. The review will determine whether the UK will reduce the number of embryos transferred back to women following IVF from two or three to one.
Fertility watchdog seeks to reduce IVF risks
The UK regulator for fertility treatment, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), is looking to review the number of embryos transferred during fertility treatment. The review will determine whether the UK will reduce the number of embryos transferred back to women following IVF from two or three to one.
14 February 2005
Woman in frozen embryo row takes case to Europe
A British woman, left infertile after cancer treatment, is to take her case to the European Court of Human Rights, in order to win the right to use frozen embryos created from her eggs. Natalie Evans was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and decided to undergo IVF treatment with her fiancé, Howard Johnson in 2001.
Woman in frozen embryo row takes case to Europe
A British woman, left infertile after cancer treatment, is to take her case to the European Court of Human Rights, in order to win the right to use frozen embryos created from her eggs. Natalie Evans was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and decided to undergo IVF treatment with her fiancé, Howard Johnson in 2001.
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