Clause 15
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords]
2:45 pm
Dawn Primarolo (Minister of State (Public Health), Department of Health; Bristol South, Labour)
I recognise that limits on the storage of gametes and embryos can cause some concern. The length of storage needs to ensure fairness, while also taking into account the safety of freezing. I believe that the statutory 10-year period for gametes, with extended storage for medical reasons, remains appropriate. I also consider that the same limits should be applied to embryos. Therefore, the Bill brings storage limits into line with each other.
The Warnock report proposed a 10-year period. I suppose that the hon. Gentleman is quite right about which years one picks—it is arbitrary. Five years was the decision of Parliament. In the 24 years since the report was published, there has been no body of evidence to suggest that using embryos that have been frozen for 10 years endangers a mother or child. There is a possibility of change—the hon. Gentleman pointed to the regulating power—enabling an extension beyond 10 years in specific circumstances, but that is something that would need to be considered later. At this point, because we can see that there is an application to go further, it seems sensible to go for 10 years. I suppose that his guess might be as good as anyone else’s. That is the reason for settling at 10 years, but allowing variation under specific circumstances and having the regulatory power in place, if it is necessary to extend it further in the future.