Government Response to the Report from the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee

This publication sets out the Government's response to the 104 recommendations made in the Commons Science and Technology Select Committee report (HCP 7-I, 5th report of session 2004-05; ISBN 0215023234) of their yearlong inquiry into options for the future regulation of human reproductive technologies in the UK. Responses are grouped under a range of headings including: the definition and status of the embryo; embryo research; reproductive cloning; genetic modification; GIFT and IUI; the welfare of the child; sex selection; preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and tissue typing; donors; internet services; licensing for clinical trials and training; risk assessment issues; stem cell research; the role of the HFEA; the regulatory role of Parliament and the creation of a new regulatory authority. The responses are made in light of the Government's announcement in January 2004 of its plans to undertake a review of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, given public concerns over new developments.