This POSTnote presents some of the science and technology relevant to human fertilisation and embryology. POSTnote 6. POST. 1989.
In vitro fertilisation & embryo research (195 KB , PDF)
Following the Warnock Report of 1984 and the 1987 White Paper, the Government has introduced the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill containing provisions on research involving human embryos. Parliament is asked to decide between two options set out in Section 11 of the Bill which determine whether the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is empowered to grant licences for research involving human embryos less than 14 days old.
This question involves substantial ethical and religious considerations. An understanding of scientific aspects of human fertilisation and embryology may assist Parliamentarians to come to grips with these considerations. Some of the relevant science and technology is described in this note.
In vitro fertilisation & embryo research (195 KB , PDF)
A POSTnote describing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's mental health. This briefing summarises the latest understanding from research about the effects on children throughout the pandemic, and the factors that increase vulnerability to poor mental health. It also reviews policy approaches that seek to protect children's mental health, with particular focus on recent initiatives to address this.
Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) refers to education and childcare provided in regulated settings from birth to the start of primary school. This POSTnote summarises the evidence on the association between ECEC and children’s development in England and the key factors that affect this. It also covers the impact of government-funded ECEC places on families and the sector, and stakeholder perspectives on public policy priorities.
An overview of water fluoridation in England, including the impact of fluoride on dental health, an overview of dental health in England, and the importance and implications of dental health inequalities.
