Parents at 90? Britain to Extend Storage Limit for Sperm, Eggs & Embryos to 55 Years

UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid called the plans to extend the storage limit for sperm, eggs and embryos from 10 to up to 55 years “a huge step forwards.” He admitted that the current storage arrangements can be severely restrictive and generating pressure on families.

“There are any number of reasons why someone may choose to preserve their fertility, and it is one of the most personal decisions any of us can make. Technological breakthroughs – including in egg freezing – have changed the equation in recent years and its only right that this progress puts more power into the hands of potential parents,” Javid explained in a statement.

​The Department of Health clarified on Monday that it would be inappropriate for the limit to apply to all cases, adding that additional conditions will apply around third party donors and posthumous use.

Posthumous conception means conceiving with someone's egg, sperm or embryo after they have died.

The UK legal framework for the posthumous conception is complex and deals with various cases of recognition of donors after their death as parents. 

The proposed changes to the storage limit are possible due to development of the freezing methods.

Success Rates 

“Evidence shows frozen eggs can be stored indefinitely without deterioration, due to a new freezing technique called vitrification, and changes reflect the increasing success of using frozen embryos in routine IVF treatment,” the Department of Health said.

According to Harry Karpouzis MD MRCOG, the Scientific Director Pelargos IVF based in Athens, vitrification has increased the survival rates of frozen embryos greatly, as well as the success rates of frozen cycles.

“Duration of the storage doesn’t seem to affect the success rates. Chances of success depend mainly on the donor’s age at the time of freezing the eggs/embryos, as opposed to the age of the woman at the time of the transfer. Nowadays, vitrification of eggs has also almost reached the success rates of freezing embryos,” Dr. Karpouzis said.   

In Greece embryos eggs are frozen for 5 years but the storage time can be renewed for another 5 years if needed, explained Dr. Karpouzis, adding that the recipient age limit for embryo transfers is 50 years old. After the Covid-19 pandemic, the age limit has been increased to 52.

Reproductive Choice

The Monday announcement has been welcomed by organizations, such as the British Fertility Society (BFA) and the Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists (ARCS), but it has also triggered questions by commentators online.

​Many took to social media to discuss the government proposal, with some comments questioning the decision to become a parent at the ages of 80 and 90. Others however, argued that the extension of the storage limit allows for great flexibility.

​The plans by the Department of Health will require parliamentary approval and the legislation will be introduced when parliamentary time allows.