STORAGE PERIOD FOR EMBRYOS AND SPERM

Patients storing embryos or sperm should be aware that genetic material cannot be stored indefinitely. Parliament has set a limit of 10 years on the storage of sperm and a limit of 5 years on the storage of embryos, although these periods may be exceeded in certain circumstances.

When the period of storage allowed comes to an end the sperm or embryos must

be removed from storage and allowed to perish. It is therefore important that you know the period of storage which applies to any embryos or sperm that you have in storage and that you know when this period expires. It is also important that you understand how the law in this regard affects sperm, eggs or embryos obtained from donors. This will help you to plan any future treatments with those embryos or sperm and give you time to consider whether or not you wish to donate them to another couple or for use in research.

Your clinic will carry out regular reviews of the embryos and sperm which they have in storage and will try to remain in contact with you. It is important that you keep your clinic informed of any changes of address and respond promptly to any correspondence they send you. This will enable your clinic to ensure that you have plenty of time to deal with any issues arising from the storage of your embryos or sperm.