A High Court judge ruled that the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has no legal power to authorise 'tissue typing' treatment (under which test tube embryos are screened for their capacity to provide donor siblings for sick children).
Source: The Guardian, 21.12.02
Links: Guardian report | HFEA press release
Date: 2002-Dec
The government responded to a report from a committee of MPs on developments in human genetics and embryology. It rejected a call for further streamlining of the regulatory structure in this area, but said it is keeping the situation under review.
Source: Government Response to the Report from the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee: Developments in Human Genetics and Embryology, Cm 5693, Department of Health, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Response (pdf) | DH press release | MPs report
Date: 2002-Nov
A consultation document asked if it is right that people should be able to use assisted reproductive techniques to choose the sex of their child and, if so, for what reasons.
Source: Sex Selection: Choice and responsibility in human reproduction, Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (020 7377 5077)
Links: Consultation Document (pdf) | HFEA press release
Date: 2002-Oct
A report considered the issues raised by changing or selecting behavioural traits on the basis of genetic information, and the possible uses of such information in the criminal justice system, education, employment and insurance. It concluded that embryos should not be selected for traits such as intelligence on the basis of genetic information.
Source: Genetics and Human Behaviour: The Ethical Context, Nuffield Council on Bioethics (020 7681 9619)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2002-Oct
A couple who wanted to have a 'designer baby' to cure their seriously ill son of a rare blood disorder were refused permission to have fertility (tissue typing) treatment.
Source: Press release 1.8.02, Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (020 7377 5077)
Links: HFEA press release
Date: 2002-Aug
A consultation document was issued on the underlying principles which should govern the removal, retention and use of human organs and tissue.
Source: Human Bodies, Human Choices: The Law on Human Organs and Tissue in England and Wales, Department of Health (08701 555455) and Welsh Assembly Government
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary (pdf)
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/2, Digest 122, paragraph 2.4
Date: 2002-Jul
A committee of MPs recommended that the government conduct a review of advice and regulation across the fields of medical genetics, embryology and reproductive medicine, with a view to producing a more streamlined structure.
Source: Developments in Human Genetics and Embryology, Fourth Report (Session 2001-02), HC 791, House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Report
Date: 2002-Jul
The Human Genetics Commission announced an urgent consultation into genetic tests sold direct to the public.
Source: The Supply of Genetic Tests Direct to the Public, Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (020 7972 1518)
Links: Consultation document | Summary
Date: 2002-Jul
