Britain poised to extend storage of frozen embryos

The maximum length of time for storing human embryos for use in treatment with in vitro fertilisation is to be increased from five years to 10 years if new recommendations by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) are accepted by Britain's parliament early this year. Whatever the storage period, it will not be extended after the woman reaches the age of 55.

Since 1 August 1991 any clinician wishing to offer in vitro fertilisation to couples experiencing difficulty conceiving has been obliged to obtain a licence from the HFEA. All research involving the creation or use of human embryos, infertility treatments involving use of in …