§ Miss Joan Lestorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice is given by his Department to the medical 535W profession regarding the use of artificial insemination as a means of conception; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleOur policy since 1968 has been that artificial insemination, whether by husband or by donor, can be carried out within the National Health Service when it is recommended on medical grounds. The decision whether the technique should be used in any particular case depends upon the clinical judgment of the doctor concerned.
I understand that the professional bodies most closely concerned are currently considering the medical and legal issues arising from the use of artificial insemination, including the question of what guidance should be given to doctors and patients on the use of this technique to overcome problems of infertility.