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Bill · started in the Lords

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008

A Bill to amend the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 and the Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985; to make provision about the persons who in certain circumstances are to be treated in law as the parents of a child; and for connected purposes.

Now an Act of Parliament

The story so farThe Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill was introduced in the House of Lords on 8 November 2007 by Lord Darzi of Denham (Labour). It completed its passage through Parliament and became law as the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008, receiving Royal Assent on 13 November 2008.

What the bill does

<p>The Bill provides for revised and updated legislation on assisted reproduction and for changes to the regulation and licensing of embryo use in research and therapy. A draft Bill, the Human Tissue and Embryos Bill, was scrutinised by a joint committee of both Houses. Proposed changes to the Human Tissue Act 2004, such as the establishment of a new body called RATE, have been dropped. The revised name of this Bill reflects that change.</p><p>The Bill includes provision for research into different types of embryos, and proposes changes to definitions of legal parenthood for cases involving assisted reproduction. </p><p>Amendments to abortion law were tabled during the passage of this Bill. These were discussed by a Committee of the whole House but not passed.</p><p> </p>

Progress through Parliament

  1. 1st reading Lords 8 Nov 2007
  2. 2nd reading Lords 19 Nov to 21 Nov 2007
  3. Committee stage Lords 3 Dec to 12 Dec 2007
  4. Report stage Lords 15 Jan to 28 Jan 2008
  5. 3rd reading Lords 4 Feb 2008
  6. 1st reading Commons 5 Feb 2008
  7. 2nd reading Commons 12 May 2008
  8. Programme motion Commons 12 May 2008
  9. Money resolution Commons 12 May 2008
  10. Committee stage Commons 19 May to 20 May 2008
  11. Committee stage Commons 3 Jun to 12 Jun 2008
  12. Programme motion Commons 22 Oct 2008
  13. Report stage Commons 22 Oct 2008
  14. 3rd reading Commons 22 Oct 2008
  15. Consideration of Commons amendments and / or reasons Lords 29 Oct 2008
  16. Royal Assent Unassigned 13 Nov 2008

Source: the official bill page. Last updated 25 Feb 2009.