Research Related to Human Fertilisation and Embryology

Abstract

Britain's Medical Research Council (MRC) has drawn up six principles for research related to in vitro fertilization and work with human gametes. The guidelines prohibit the cultivation of embryos beyond the implantation stage and the transfer of any embryo resulting from or used in such experiments, require informed consent from ovum and sperm donors, and encourage the use of animal gametes and embryos to study the effects of freezing and storage. While the MRC believes that the guidelines are valid for all such research, they are intended for investigators whose work is supported by the Council. (KIE abstract)