In UK IVF clinics, embryos whose storage consent has lapsed — because the patient has not renewed consent, cannot be contacted, or has died — must be allowed to perish under HFEA regulations. Clinics are required to make reasonable attempts to contact patients before consent expiry and must document all contact attempts. Embryos cannot be donated to another patient or to research without active written consent from both gamete providers.
Consent renewal under the Health and Care Act 2022
The Health and Care Act 2022 extended the maximum storage period to 55 years, with consent renewal required every 10 years. This reduces the risk of consent lapsing for patients who lose contact with their clinic over time. Clinics holding embryos in liquid nitrogen storage must maintain accurate patient contact records alongside their cryopreservation inventory to comply with HFEA Code of Practice requirements on consent management.
Cryolab supplies cryogenic storage vessels to HFEA-licensed UK fertility clinics. Visit cryolab.co.uk or call 01243 781 121.
