§ Lord Alton of Liverpoolasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 7 November (WA 144) for exactly how long the Department of Health has known about dangers inherent in in vitro fertilisation and other assisted reproductive technologies. [HL210]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathAs with all medical procedures, in vitro fertilisation and other assisted reproductive technologies have never been completely without risk. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) works with clinics to ensure that all known risks are minimised and patients made aware of any potential risks involved in the procedures they are undergoing before they give their informed consent to treatment. The HFEA also monitors developments in the field of human reproduction, including research to follow up children born through these technologies, in order to identify any new risks as they emerge.
In April 2002, the HFEA and the Medical Research Council considered the issue of the possible health effects of IVF. As a result of this they established a working group to review current knowledge of in vitro fertilisation and its possible health effects. The group will advise on what further research may be necessary and how this might best be carried out. It is expected to report in 2003.