The first statutory body of its kind in the world, the HFEA's creation reflected public and professional unease about the potential future of human embryo research and infertility treatments, and a widespread desire for statutory regulation of this highly sensitive area. The Members determine the HFEA's policies and scrutinise treatment and research licence applications. In order that a perspective can be maintained which is independent of the medical-scientific view, the HFE Act requires that the Chairman, Deputy Chairman and at least half of the HFEA's Membership are neither doctors or scientists involved in human embryo research or providing infertility treatment.
Some Members have personal experience of infertility problems.
It is a Government requirement that Non-Departmental Public Bodies, such as the HFEA, be independently reviewed every five years. The HFEA is currently undergoing its second Quinquennial Review. The Review's purpose is to consider the HFEA's functions, the extent to which these meet its aims and objectives and the way they are delivered. It is expected that the Reviewers will make recommendations suggesting how the Authority's performance can be further developed and improved. It is anticipated that the Reviewers will submit their report to Department of Health Ministers before autumn 2000.