The UK government is reviewing its regulatory framework for fertility treatments in response to cases where donors withdraw consent, potentially leading to the destruction of embryos.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) stated that any changes to the law regarding sperm donation consent are the responsibility of the UK government. "It's about each person who provides an egg or sperm having that autonomy to consent and make that decision to whether they're happy for a child to be born in treatment," said Rachel Cutting, HFEA's director of compliance.
The current law permits donors to withdraw consent up until an embryo is implanted in the woman's womb. The HFEA has advised clinics to inform patients about the possibility of consent withdrawal, acknowledging the distress it can cause. "We can look at it further, but it is for the law to be changed and that's not something within the power that the HFEA has. We can't change the law. But we are sympathetic to cases like this," Cutting added.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care expressed sympathy for individuals experiencing difficult circumstances during fertility treatment. "We continue to work closely with the fertility sector to support high-quality, compassionate care, and we keep all aspects of the regulatory regime under review to the same end," the spokesperson said.
This issue has come to light as couples, such as Nat and Nik Fraser-Edwards, have faced the prospect of their embryos being destroyed after a donor withdrew consent. The couple reportedly spent £23,000 on fertility treatment, wanting a change in the law to prevent donors from withdrawing consent once an embryo has been created.