Tue, 03 Aug 2021
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst has been successfully appointed a member of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s Appeals Committee.
HFEA was established in 1991 by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (“The HFE Act”) and was the first statutory body of its type in the world. A non-departmental public body, the HFEA is tasked with ensuring all UK treatment clinics undertaking assisted reproduction, or research facilities carrying out research using gametes or embryos, conform to high medical and professional standards.
The Authority’s licensing function is a central part of its regulatory role. HFEA is responsible for considering all applications for licences for:
- The provision of treatment and non-medical fertility services;
- The storage of gametes and embryos; and
- Research
Section 20A of the HFE Act requires the Authority to maintain an appeals committee to deal with requests relating to licensing decisions. The procedure for the reconsideration of decisions is governed by The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Appeals) Regulations 2009. The committee is chaired by leading counsel.
On his appointment, Neil said “I am delighted to have been appointed to the HFEA Appeals Committee. In a constantly evolving field of medicine, it is vital to ensure there is a robust and impartial appeals system in place for the reconsideration of HFEA decisions. I very much look forward to contributing to the work of the committee and bringing together my medical and healthcare law experiences in this important work.”
Neil’s term of office commences on 1 October 2021 for a period of three years.
