Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimate he has made of the percentage of children born through IVF born with a recognised disability; and if he will make a statement; [97934]
(2) what research is being conducted into the possible links between intracytoplasmic sperm injection and Angelman syndrome; and if he will make a statement. [97935]
§ Ms BlearsA number of international studies have raised questions about some in vitro fertilisation (IVF) techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The studies show a small increase in the number of babies with health problems. The Medical Research Council and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority have established a working group that is reviewing current research and will provide advice on any further research needed in assisted conception. Information is not routinely collected on children conceived using an assisted conception technique that are born with a disability or other medical condition.