Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Darzi of Denham on 22 January 2008 (WA 28), whether Sections 3(3)(a) and 3(4) of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 permit an embryo to be kept in culture for longer than 14 days (notwithstanding cryopreservation) provided that the embryo is cultured in a manner that may be considered as suboptimal for natural development; and, if so, which section of that Act refers to suboptimal culture conditions.
Answer
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has advised me that its Scientific and Clinical Advances Group has considered the characteristics of embryonic masses that form when embryos outgrow their structure. The group concluded that these entities should not be considered embryos as they do not have the 3D organisation of an embryo, do not have a relationship between extra embryonic and embryonic tissue essential for normal development and do not develop a primitive streak. As stated in my earlier reply on 22 January 2008 (WA 28), the HFEA's Scientific and Clinical Advances Group has concluded that embryonic masses that form when embryos outgrow their structure should not be considered embryos. It is for the HFEA to determine what available evidence it considers in reaching a conclusion on a particular issue within its remit. With regard to the interpretation of Section 3(3)(a) and 3(4), the 14-day limit applies to all human embryos created in vitro.