Future regulation of fertility banking in the UK

The storage of embryos and mature gametes is regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and the laboratories concerned are generally in assisted conception centres. The HFEA does not regulate storage of immature gametes, such as oocytes in ovarian cortex, where no mature gametes are present. Under the Department of Health Code of Practice on Tissue Banking, since 1 April 2003, immature gametes must be stored in accredited tissue banks only. Most IVF units are unable to comply with this code, and many have stopped storing ovarian tissue. In the future, when patients request transplantation of tissue stored in non-accredited banks, individual Trusts will decide whether it is safe to be used. The Department of Health Code of Practice does not apply to mature gametes and embryos. Consequently, these may now be stored in conditions less stringent than those of other tissues used therapeutically. However, an EU directive covering all banked tissues used in therapy, specifically including gametes, embryos and stem cells, may soon eliminate this inconsistency. The standards used in fertility banking must therefore be improved if current practice in embryo and gamete cryopreservation is to continue. This article examines the present situation and the issues raised.