APPENDIX 26
Memorandum from the Royal College of Obstetricians
and Gynaecologists
1. The Royal College of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists endorses the British Fertility Society's response
to the Committee.
2. The two main functions of the HFEA are
Regulatory and Discussive. The latter function includes
detailed discussion of the big issues in human reproduction, including
clinical, scientific, legal, ethical and lay representation. Our
view is that the Regulatory function has sometimes been
confused with the Discussive function, to the detriment
of the Regulatory function.
3. We feel that the clinical community would
support the wider regulation of fertility treatments, particularly
ovulation induction, not currently encompassed by the HFE Act.
This would achieve some clarity about the frequency of treatments
as well as the outcomes, particularly multiple pregnancy.
4. Donor anonymity is a difficult issue,
and it is extremely important that any change is phased in very
gradually, recognising the conflicts between the rights of donor
and the rights of the child.
5. The case for embryonic stem cells production
is crucial. Clearly the major clinical purpose in permitting the
production of embryonic stem cells is the possible alleviation
of disease. However, there is much to be learned about the origin
of tissues from basic research, with possible benefits, not yet
fully understood.
May 2004
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