Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990

Parliament of the United Kingdom
Long title	An Act to make provision in connection with human embryos and any subsequent development of such embryos; to prohibit certain practices in connection with embryos and gametes; to establish a Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority; to make provision about the persons who in certain circumstances are to be treated in law as the parents of a child; and to amend the Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985.
Citation	1990 c. 37
Territorial extent	England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales
Dates
Royal assent	1 November 1990
Status: Amended
Text of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (c. 37) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It created the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority which is in charge of human embryo research, along with monitoring and licensing fertility clinics in the United Kingdom.^[1]

The Authority is composed of a chairman, a deputy chairman, and however many members are appointed by the UK Secretary of State. They are in charge of reviewing information about human embryos and subsequent development, provision of treatment services, and activities governed by the Act of 1990.^[1] The Authority also offers information and advice to people seeking treatment, and to those who have donated gametes or embryos for purposes or activities covered in the Act of 1990. Some of the subjects under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act of 1990 are prohibitions in connection with gametes, embryos, and germ cells.^[2]

The Act also addresses licensing conditions, code of practice, and procedure of approval involving human embryos.^[3] This only concerns human embryos which have reached the two cell zygote stage, at which they are considered "fertilised" in the act.^[2] It also governs the keeping and using of human embryos, but only outside a woman's body. The act contains amendments to UK law regarding termination of pregnancy, surrogacy and parental rights.^[2]