The HFEA’s recommendation to government on extending the time limit on embryo research
The 14-day rule, introduced in the HFE Act 1990, sets a time limit for research on human embryos and has been widely adopted internationally. Currently, the Act limits the use of human or admixed embryos in research to 14 days, or the appearance of a primitive streak (if earlier).
Peter Thompson, Chief Executive of the HFEA, said:
“The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has recommended that the law is changed to extend the time limit on embryo research. We have seen significant scientific advances since the law was introduced in 1990, and it is now increasingly possible for researchers to develop and sustain embryos beyond 14 days. This could provide valuable information, in a strictly regulated environment, to enable research for specific purposes that are already set out in the law.
“Our recommendations would help maintain the UK’s position as a country where scientific and clinical innovation can flourish. In all our work, the special status of the human embryo will remain a guiding principle as its potential makes it different from all other human tissue.
“This is the first of a range of detailed recommendations on scientific developments that we are looking at to future proof our law but any decisions around modernising fertility law is a matter for Parliament, and any new limit would require a change in law.”
Ends
Notes to editors
- To read the paper presented at our November Authority (Board) meeting, please click here (page 65). A video of the discussion and decision from November’s Authority (Board) meeting is available to view here.
- The papers and minutes relating to a recent discussion from our recent Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee (SCAAC) meeting, can be found here.
Review date: 6 December 2026
