Confidentiality & consent

Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us here at The Fertility & Gynaecology Academy. We understand the importance of discretion and you can rest assured that your fertility treatment is totally confidential. By law we are not permitted to inform anybody – even your Doctor – without your consent.

We cannot perform your treatment without your written consent. When you visit us for your initial consultation we’ll ask you to fill out a consent form. Here, you’ll need to specify the name of your Doctor and indicate if you would like us to disclose identifying information to him/her. The details of your treatment will not appear on the records of your future child.

We are regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and, as such, are required to disclose information to HFEA or other licensed centres in case of emergency, in legal procedures and if a complaint is made or genetic parental information is required.

We are also required to register all patients undertaking assisted conception treatment at the HFEA. The identity of an anonymous donor is not disclosed. Children born from donated gametes (egg or sperm) have the legal right to obtain identifying information about their genetic parents when they are 18 years old or above.

We require your written consent for:

• Using your gametes for treatment, donation or storage.
• Creating embryos in vitro and storing them.
• Using your gametes/embryos in the event of your death or mental/physical incapacity.
• Transferring your gametes/embryos to another clinic.
• If we do not hold your relevant consents, the clinic cannot use or store your gametes/embryos and they will be allowed to perish.

It is essential that you understand your fertility problem, the proposed treatment, your chances of success, implications and side effects, alternative treatment options and ethical and legal issues related to your fertility treatment. We recommend you discuss these points with your partner or your family. You may also want to seek legal advice. We are able to recommend trusted counselling services.