Public consultation on fertility laws

New proposals could allow choice of baby's sex and screening for diseases

News, 17 August 2005

Changes in science and society are reasons given by the government for the need to look again at the UK's fertility laws.

Consultation on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act of 1990 will invite the public to look at different aspects of the existing laws governing fertility treatments that the government believes need revisiting.

Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said there were important questions to be asked about sex selection (for family balancing or medical reasons) and the guidance doctors would need to be given.

The consultation will also look at screening embryos for illnesses, so that only healthy embryos are implanted.

The reasons for the consultation is that rapid developments in science and changes in society have raised ethical questions that the current legislation does not address. Scientists have said changes in the law could make treatment available for modern families, while another issue to be addressed questions the need for a father figure as part of a child's welfare.

The new consultation asks whether people should be allowed to use sex selection techniques for family balancing and, if so, how many children of one gender should couples have before being allowed to use such techniques.

The Scottish Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child opposes genetic screening of embryos. Currently inherited diseases can be screened, but even late onset diseases like breast cancer could be added to the test list.

Another subject for the consultation is permission for the use of stored embryos. This follows the case of Natalie Evans, who wants to use a frozen embryo, despite her estranged partner's withdrawal of his consent.

The consultation will run until 25 November.