Eighth Edition - R.3 - Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority

=
HFEA guidance (cont)
Interpretation of mandatory requirements (cont)
(g) an individual seeks to provide their gametes or cells for the creation of embryos or
human admixed embryos for research (for exceptions see mandatory requirements
outlined in guidance note 22 – Research and training)
3A
(h)
(i)
(j)
a woman provides embryos (obtained by lavage) for any purpose
written notice is served by a man or woman consenting to the man being treated as
the legal father or parent of any child born as a result of the woman’s treatment, or
written notice is served by a woman, or her female partner, consenting to
the partner being treated as the legal parent of any child born as a result of the
woman’s treatment.
3.1 The centre should normally offer counselling after the individual or couple has received oral and written
information about the services to be provided and before they consent to treatment, or to the storage or
use of gametes or embryos. The timing and frequency of counselling sessions is up to the counsellor and
the person or couple concerned, who should agree this together.
3.2 The centre should make patients aware that the offer of counselling is routine. The offer should include
written information giving the name(s) of the qualified counsellor(s), explaining their role, when they are
available and how to access the service. The centre should allow enough time before treatment starts for
patients to consider the offer and to take up the opportunity of counselling if they so choose.
3.3 If the possibility of treatment with donated gametes or embryos arises, the centre should offer counselling
about the implications of treatment with donated material separately from counselling about the
implications of treatment in general and before treatment with donor gametes starts.
3.4 If the possibility of donating gametes or embryos for the treatment of others, or donating embryos
for research or training arises, the centre should offer counselling about the implications of donation
separately from counselling about the implications of treatment before the treatment starts. If treatment
has already begun, it should continue only if the woman and, if applicable, her partner have been offered
counselling about the implications of donation.
3.5 The centre should take all practicable steps to provide an opportunity for counselling throughout the
treatment, donation or storage processes, and afterwards if requested. If a person who has previously
donated gametes or embryos, or received treatment, requests further counselling at any point, the centre
should take all practicable steps to help them obtain it.
3.6 The centre should offer people the opportunity to be counselled with a partner, if they have one,
individually or both. Group sessions may be offered in addition to individual and couple sessions.
See also guidance note:
4 – Information to be provided prior to consent
6 – Legal parenthood
22 – Research and training
The provision of counselling
3.7 The provision of counselling should be clearly distinguished from:
(a) the assessment of a person’s suitability to receive treatment, or to store or donate their
gametes or embryos
(b)
(c)
the provision of information before obtaining consent or providing treatment, and
the normal relationship between clinical staff and patients or donors.
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
Guidance note | 3. Counselling
Version 1.0