Storage Of Your Gametes & Embryos
Eggs, sperm and embryos not used in a treatment procedure can be stored for future use. Eggs and sperm (gametes) can be stored for 10 years and embryos can be stored for five years. If you wish to keep your embryos in storage for longer than five years, you will need to consent to a further storage period with your clinic. You are able to store embryos for up to five years longer than the initial five-year storage period (i.e. total of 10 years).
If you wish to keep your gametes or embryos in storage for longer than this time, you will need to apply to the Patient Review Panel for approval of a longer storage period. For further details about making application, visit the Patient Review Panel website.
Details about how to apply for an extension of storage time for gametes and embryos are available on the Patient Review Panel website.
Clinics may remove gametes and embryos from storage if written consent has been given for removal. In the case of embryos, both of the persons who produced the gametes to form the embryo must consent to its removal.
If your gametes or embryos reach the end of their storage period and you have not applied for an extension of storage time, the clinic is required under the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008 to remove your gametes or embryos from storage. The clinic will contact you prior to the end of the storage period to find out your wishes in relation to the gametes or embryos you have in storage. It is important that you keep your contact details up-to-date with the clinic to ensure that they can contact you regarding this matter.
