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Legislation / Legal

DH: The government has published the draft Human Tissues and Embryos Bill, which it claims represents a major overhaul of the law on assisted human reproduction and embryo research.

Measures contained in the draft bill include a total ban on sex selection for non-medical reasons, explicit rules for embryo screening and more scope for embryo research.

It also contains further details of the proposed new Regulatory Authority for Tissue and Embryos (RATE), which will replace the existing regulators the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and the Human Tissue Authority (HTA). It is intended to establish RATE in 2009.
Press release ~ Human Tissue and Embryos (Draft) Bill ~ DH - Assisted reproduction key documents ~ Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act ~ Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) ~ Human Tissue Authority (HTA) ~ Science and Technology committee ~ DH - EU Tissues and Cells Directive

DTI: Employment Relations Minister Jim Fitzpatrick has set out new paternity leave proposals being developed by the Government, which are ‘designed to give working parents more choice in their caring responsibilities’ responsibilities’ – See ‘Consultations’ section above.

Cabinet Office: The Government has made a package of announcements that they claim will free up honest businesses from red tape and crack down on the rogue businesses that undermine those who play by the rules – See ‘Consultation’ section above.