They are in charge of reviewing information about human embryos and subsequent development, provision of treatment services, and activities governed by the Act of 1990.

[1] The Authority also offers information and advice to people seeking treatment, and to those who have donated gametes or embryos for purposes or activities covered in the Act of 1990.

Some of the subjects under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act of 1990 are prohibitions in connection with gametes, embryos, and germ cells.

[2] The Act also addresses licensing conditions, code of practice, and procedure of approval involving human embryos.

[3] This only concerns human embryos which have reached the two cell zygote stage, at which they are considered "fertilised" in the act.

After research and literature are reviewed, and open public meetings are held, the summarized information is presented to the Human Fertilisation Embryology Authority.

[5] The HFEA is carrying out a detailed review to determine the best way to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies with in vitro fertilization (IVF).

The policies reviewed by HFEA cover everything from human reproductive cloning to the creation of human-animal hybrids, and include subjects such as ethics with scientific and social significance.

Sperm, eggs and embryos received in the donation process are currently tested for many medical conditions, and also quarantined for six months to reduce the risk of complications to the mother and child.

While there is always a risk of having a multiples pregnancy after receiving IVF treatment, HFEA is reviewing policies which will reduce this dangerous possibility.

If the patient decides not to pursue another pregnancy, the eggs and embryos can be donated for research or to another couple for fertility treatments.

[6] In donor-assisted conception, the donor may not receive any monetary compensation (in the UK), although they may have related expenses covered.

[8] A cryoprotective compound (a liquid called cryopreservation medium), along with carefully controlled cooling and warming cycles ensure that minimal damage is done to the cells.

According to HFEA, the storage period for both human gametes and embryos cannot exceed ten years.

It was supposed to regulate work and research regarding human in vitro fertilisation until a permanent government legislation was passed.

The Health Secretary would only have been allowed an embryo to be kept and implanted if it was for the sole purpose of assisting a named woman to bear a child.

The act states that eggs, sperm, and embryo can only be stored for a finite amount of time in very specific conditions that are regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

[13] Sperm may be taken from a deceased male to fertilize an egg if the corresponding man and woman were: In 2001 the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Regulations were added.

This essential made human reproductive cloning illegal by outlawing the implantation of research embryos.

Any sperm or egg donors registered after April 1, 2005, were required to pass on name and last address given to the offspring.