Council on Human Reproductive Technology amends Code of Practice on Reproductive Technology and Embryo Research
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The Council on Human Reproductive Technology (Council) today (November 21) issued a notice in the Gazette notifying the publication of the amended Code of Practice on Reproductive Technology and Embryo Research (Code), requiring licensed centres to provide those storing their gametes or embryos for own use with additional counselling services.
The Human Reproductive Technology (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (Amendment Regulation) will come into effect on December 1, removing the statutory storage periods of gametes and embryos for own use under the Human Reproductive Technology (Licensing) Regulation (Cap. 561A) to enable members of the public to make their own decisions on the storage duration of their gametes or embryos depending on their health and other conditions, with a view to better realising reproductive autonomy.
In connection with the Amendment Regulation, the Council amended the Code, requiring persons who have stored their gametes or embryos for their own use for five years or more to receive additional counselling services before storage can be extended. During counselling, licensed centres are required to provide information regarding the medical risks associated with the relevant procedures and risks of pregnancy at an advanced maternal age, etc. There will be a one-year grace period for the relevant arrangements, whereby persons concerned only need to complete the counselling services and procedures of extension of storage within one year after the commencement of the amended Code, or before their first storage extension, whichever is later. The amended Code would come into effect on the same day (December 1) as the Amendment Regulation.
The amended Code is available on the website of the Council (www.chrt.org.hk).
Ends/Friday, November 21, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
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