§ Dr. SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what measures she can take to prevent the use of in vitro fertilisation as a mechanism for social engineering as in the fixing of foetus characteristics such as sex or ethnicity; and if she will make a statement;
(2) what measures she can take to prevent the use of in vitro fertilisation in respect of post-menopausal women; and if she will use such measures;
(3) what measures she can take to prevent the use of in vitro fertilisation in circumstances such as the mixing of the ethnicity of donor and recipient.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority established by Parliament in 1990 under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act regulates centres carrying out in vitro fertilisation.
The authority maintains a code of practice setting out its requirements for the proper conduct of licensed activities. The code is approved by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and is laid before Parliament. It makes clear the age of the prospective parents is one factor which should be considered when deciding whether or not in vitro fertilisation should be offered. Where donated eggs or sperm are used in treatment, it is good practice to try to match the physical characteristics of the donor to those of the couple being treated. The use of sex selection techniques in centres licensed by the authority is permitted only for medical reasons. An essential feature of the 1990 Act and the activities regulated under its provisions is the welfare of any child born as a result of treatment.