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Storing gametes and embryos
Storing gametes and embryos
Gametes (sperm or eggs), embryos and eggs undergoing fertilisation may only be stored by:
- a licenced storage provider; or
- a person who has received an exemption in relation to research on excess ART embryos.
Consent for storage
Gametes, embryos and eggs undergoing fertilisation can only be stored where there is an effective consent in place.
Storage consent must be provided by donors and recipients of any donated material. The storage (including time limits) must occur in accordance with the consent. Storage consent may be varied or withdrawn at any time.
Storage consent must specify the maximum period of storage and provide instructions on what is to be done with the material if the person who gave the consent is unable by reason of incapacity or otherwise to vary the terms of the consent or withdraw it.
Storage consent must also include consent to allow the embryo to succumb at the end of the storage period.
Record keeping
Licensed fertility (storage) providers must maintain records to reflect the expiry date for storage approval.
Providers must have a system in place to identify gametes, embryos or eggs undergoing fertilisation that are nearing the end of their approved storage period.
Requests for embryo storage approval extensions must be made before the expiry of the current approval.
The licensee must take reasonable steps to notify the person/s for whom the embryo is being stored at least three months before the expiry date.
Storage time limits
There is no legislated requirement on the length of time gametes (sperm or eggs) can be stored, however duration of storage must be included and be documented throughout the consent process. Posthumous use of gametes is prohibited.
The maximum time that an embryo may be stored is ten years. Approval from the Reproductive Technology Council (external site) is required, prior to expiration, to extend embryo storage beyond 10 years.
Where embryos have been donated but not allocated the responsibility for storage extension rests with the donor. Once the embryos have been allocated the responsibility for storage extension rests with the recipient.
More information
Reproductive Technology Unit
Email: rtu@health.wa.gov.au
Mail to: PO Box 8172, Perth Business Centre, WA 6849