Written Question: Special Status of Human Embryo

Lord Moylan: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure the "special status” of the human embryo continues to be upheld in any decisions related to human embryo research; and whether they will make an assessment of the recent Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority consultation, in particular given that it omitted any mention of the protected “special status” of the embryo or any related ethical considerations.

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Care (Lord Markham): The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has advised that any decisions related to human embryo research are undertaken in accordance with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (as amended). The Government asked the HFEA to undertake a stakeholder dialogue to identify priorities for modernisation of the Act in 2021, and the report of this work is not expected to be completed until autumn 2023.