House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Statutory Storage Period for Embryos and Gametes) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020
03 June 2020 · Department of Health and Social Care
Proposed by Helen Whately Con Faversham and Mid Kent
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Statutory Storage Period for Embryos and Gametes) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 are proposed to extend storage periods from 10 years to 12 years
- The extension aims to accommodate delays in fertility treatments caused by the pandemic
- A negative solution Statutory Instrument will be laid to implement the changes
Issue summary
The statement addresses the extension of statutory storage periods for embryos and gametes from 10 years to 12 years due to pandemic-related delays in fertility treatments.
Action requested
A negative solution Statutory Instrument is being laid to extend the statutory storage period for embryos and gametes by two years, allowing patients more time to resume their fertility treatment without urgency.
Key facts
- Fertility treatment was temporarily suspended on 23 March.
- The suspension was lifted from 11 May.
- Storage period for embryos and gametes is extended from 10 to 12 years in certain circumstances.
- Extension applies with appropriate consent, without immediate need for medical evidence.
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