HFEA welcomes changes to the law on screening in fertility treatment

• Enhanced screening no longer necessary for couples having reciprocal IVF.
• People who have HIV with an undetectable viral load can donate to known recipients under new law change.

Julia Chain, chair of the HFEA, said:

“The HFEA welcomes the changes to the law on partner donation in relation to reciprocal IVF, and egg and sperm donation from those who have HIV with an undetectable viral load.

“Fertility treatment is helping more people than ever to create their family, and everyone undergoing fertility treatment should be treated fairly. This will save time and money for female same sex couples having reciprocal IVF.”

“For known donation from individuals with undetectable HIV, we anticipate that the first clinics will be able to start offering this treatment around three months following a change in the law.”

“The definition of ‘partner donation’ will change to allow couples undergoing reciprocal IVF to undergo the same screening as heterosexual couples.”

“We encourage any patients or donors who may be affected by these changes to visit the HFEA website to find out free and impartial information, including about how to choose a fertility clinic.”

The HFEA will be issuing further guidance to support clinics over the coming months.

Published on the 15th of May 2024. Full news report available here.