[A model code of practice in accordance with the Dutch Embryo act]

Under the terms of the Dutch Embryo Act, institutions that perform in vitro fertilisation must work in accordance with a legally prescribed procedure. A model protocol has been drawn up under the auspices of the Dutch Institute for Healthcare Improvement that can serve as a guideline and that may be amplified in details with regard to local circumstances. In vitro fertilisation is reserved to licensed centres with expert and experienced personnel. These centres must fulfil specific standards for both the clinical part and the laboratory part of the treatment. The decision in favour of ovarian stimulation depends on the wish to be able to select from multiple embryos and must be weighed against the burden on the patient, her age and the risk of developing an ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Placing more than two embryos at a time is discouraged. In the contract between the depositors and the depository concerning the storage of embryos (cryopreservation), the points of departure are that the parties involved must agree on the use of the embryos and that each involved person may withdraw his or her permission at any time. In the Netherlands, oocyte donation is performed predominantly in women with premature ovarian failure. The maximum age of the acceptor is 45 years. Legally, the minimum age of a donor is 18 years, but the Committee recommends caution with donors under the age of 30 years; from the point of view of treatment efficacy, the maximum age is 40 years. For each individual oocyte donation procedure, permission is required from the medical-ethical assessment committee of the hospital in question. Often, a written report to the committee from the treating gynaecologist and a psychosocial counsellor will suffice. Because of the increased risk of pregnancy complications after oocyte donation, control and delivery in hospital are recommended. Post-mortem use of gametes or embryos is permitted, provided that the parties involved have given written permission.