Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) first considered concerns about a link between IVF and congenital syndromes to be "a serious issue", as quoted in the Sunday Times on 13 June; how the HFEA will ensure that people seeking fertility treatment are "made fully aware" of any such link; and why the HFEA viewed the research as "very significant".
Answer
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has advised that it has always seen part of its role as ensuring that patients are well informed about the treatment they intend to undergo, in line with its obligations under Section 8 of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, as amended. Clinical risks are included in this. As research has improved understanding, the HFEA has developed requirements for centres to advise patients about risks associated with their treatment. The research referred to was viewed as significant in that it is based on a large prospective study and its findings align with other research in this area. The HFEA has also advised that it is not in a position to comment on individual research papers within a large body of literature. The authority relies on the clinical expertise of the members of its Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee to ensure it is has the latest understanding of research developments.