ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a critical review of policy debates and regulatory and legislative shifts up to the present time. A consultation by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) on the operation of the welfare of the child requirement results in liberalisation of the child welfare provisions. In June 2004, the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee launched its Inquiry into Human Reproductive Technologies and the Law, reporting in March 2005. The HFEA revised its Code of Practice that provides a definition of supportive parenting as follows, extending the liberalising trend regarding the welfare clause evident in previous editions of the Code: Supportive parenting is a commitment to the health, well-being and development of the child. A more rounded assessment of United Kingdom law affecting the interests of children born following assisted reproductive technology (ART) may be made by taking account of provisions enabling donor-conceived adults to learn about their biographical and genetic heritage.
