Consultation outcome

Egg, sperm and embryo storage limits

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Published: 11 February 2020
• Last updated: 6 September 2021 — See all updates

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

Gamete (egg, sperm) and embryo storage limits: response to consultation

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Regulatory triage assessment: for increasing gamete and embryo storage limits to a maximum of 55 years for all

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Detail of outcome

Following the public consultation on changes to gamete (egg, sperm) and embryo storage limits, the government intends to increase the statutory storage limits for gametes and embryos for everyone regardless of medical need to 10-year renewable periods, with a maximum limit of 55 years.

The government’s proposed policy changes reflect the commitment to encourage all types of family formation and increase reproductive choice for all. The legislation will be changed in due course.

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Original consultation

Summary

We want your views on changing the time limit for storing gametes (eggs and sperm) and embryos for fertility treatment.

This consultation ran from
12:15am on 11 February 2020 to 11:59pm on 5 May 2020

Consultation description

The storage period for eggs, sperm and embryos for fertility treatment is a maximum of 10 years. This can be extended in some circumstances.

We would like to ask you 21 questions about what you think should happen to the storage period. You do not have to answer all of them.

Documents

Consultation document: gamete (egg, sperm) and embryo storage limits

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Published 11 February 2020
Last updated 6 September 2021 + show all updates

1. 6 September 2021

   Added the government's response to the consultation and the regulatory triage assessment.

2. 11 February 2020

   First published.