Fertility Insights | Using Donor Eggs | Sperm donation | IVF | Featured Articles

15 September 2026

When does sperm donor consent end? Protecting families after an embryo has been created

Consent is fundamental to fertility care. But once an embryo has already been created, where should the line be drawn? We look at why the law may need to change and what it means for the families in our care.

For families using donor sperm or donor eggs, consent is an essential part of fertility treatment. But what happens when a donor withdraws consent after an embryo has already been created?

Under current UK law, a donor can withdraw consent to the use or storage of their gametes, or embryos created using them, at any point before embryo transfer. This means that, in certain circumstances, families can face uncertainty over embryos already created for their treatment and future family plans.

At London Women’s Clinic, we believe the law should provide clearer and fairer protection for both donors and recipient families.

Recent experience has highlighted the significant consequences that late withdrawal of donor consent can have for families.

Two couples had successful first cycles of fertility treatment, with additional embryos stored for possible future treatment and the hope of having genetically related siblings. Long after their embryos had been created, and before further embryo transfers took place, their donors withdrew consent to their use.

Neither couple has blamed the donor. Instead, their experiences raise an important question: does the current law strike the right balance between donor consent and protecting the families who are relying on embryos already created for their treatment?

These situations are rare, but when they occur, the consequences can be deeply distressing.

One family described the possibility of losing all 10 of their stored embryos:

“When we look at those embryos, we don’t see something abstract – we see the possibility of our future family and the possibility of our little boy having a full genetic sibling.”

For families in this position, the impact can extend beyond emotional distress. Starting treatment again may involve significant financial costs, further time and uncertainty. For some patients, age, health or changes in their circumstances may also mean that repeating treatment is not a realistic option.

Under current UK fertility law, a sperm or egg donor can change or withdraw their consent at any point before an embryo is transferred to the womb. The HFEA confirms that this remains possible even after embryos have been created.

This means that a donor's consent may still be required for the continued storage or use of embryos created using their sperm, even where those embryos were created for a specific recipient family and may have already been used successfully in an earlier treatment cycle.

The law also provides for a cooling-off period of up to 12 months in certain circumstances following withdrawal of consent to storage. If effective consent is not restored, the embryos can no longer lawfully remain in storage or be used in treatment.

The result is an unusual imbalance. A donor remains able to withdraw consent after their donated sperm has already been used to create embryos, while the recipient family may have made significant decisions, plans and commitments based on those embryos being available for their treatment.

This is not about weakening the fundamental principle of consent.

Donors should retain full autonomy over unused eggs or sperm. Their decision to donate must be informed and voluntary, and they should receive appropriate information and counselling before providing consent.

However, consent also needs a clearly defined endpoint.

Once a donated sperm or egg has been used to create a specific embryo, it no longer exists as a separate gamete awaiting use. The consented act of using that gamete to create the embryo has already taken place. What remains is an embryo created for another person's treatment. It is no longer simply an unused donor sample.

We believe this distinction should be recognised in law.

Before a donated gamete is used, the donor’s choice should remain decisive. Once an embryo has been created using valid, informed consent, we believe the recipient family should be able to rely on that consent for the treatment for which the embryo was created.

This would not remove a donor’s autonomy. It would establish a clear point at which the interests and reliance of the recipient family must also be recognised.

Fertility treatment has changed considerably since the current legal framework was introduced. The law now permits sperm and embryos and eggs to be stored for up to 55 years from the date they were first placed in storage, provided the necessary consent is renewed every 10 years.

This creates a growing period during which circumstances can change for donors and recipient families alike. A donor may experience changes in their personal circumstances, relationships or feelings about their donation. Meanwhile, a recipient family may be planning future treatment around embryos already created, particularly where they hope to have genetically related siblings. A clearer legal framework could provide greater certainty for everyone involved.

It could also help reduce the difficult position in which donors may feel pressure to reconsider consent later, while ensuring that recipient families are not left without meaningful protection after treatment has already taken place.

The HFEA has acknowledged the need to modernise fertility law, including the rules surrounding consent. While proposals for reform have been discussed, no immediate legislative change has been introduced to address this specific issue. Until the law changes, families affected by late withdrawal of donor consent may continue to face uncertainty.

What this means for fertility patients

For patients using donor sperm or donor eggs, consent is an important part of the treatment process. At London Women’s Clinic, we work closely with our sister donor banks, London Sperm Bank and London Egg Bank, to support patients considering donor treatment.

We recognise that decisions around donor conception can involve hope, careful planning and significant emotional investment. Patients should receive clear information about consent, storage and the potential implications of donor withdrawal before treatment begins.

These cases are uncommon, but their impact demonstrates why the legal framework deserves further consideration.

Our view is that a consent system should protect both donor autonomy and recipient reliance.

Before a donated gamete is used, donor choice should be decisive. Once an embryo has been created with valid consent for a recipient family's treatment, patients should have greater certainty that they can rely on that embryo being available for its intended use.

That is not an abandonment of consent. It is consent with a clear, fair and humane boundary, one that recognises the rights and interests of both donors and recipient families.

At London Women's Clinic, we believe this balance deserves a clearer place in UK fertility law.

This article draws on a commentary by Dr Kamal Ahuja, Scientific and Managing Director, and Professor Nick Macklon, Medical Director, on the withdrawal of donor consent after the creation of embryos. You can read their full commentary in BioNews here.

All of our blog posts are written, edited, or produced by the London Women's Clinic Content Team. This is a collaboration between our expert writers, health editors, and the leading researchers and senior doctors at our Harley Street clinic.

‘We have two beautiful children - our family wouldn't exist without LWC Brentwood. Can't recommend them highly enough; IVF is an emotional rollercoaster regardless of your journey and we were supported at every step. Pricing is transparent and easy to understand, with payment plans available that made accessing any treatment and medication very flexible and affordable. The clinic became such a part of our lives for that short time, the care and support is so important and LWC Brentwood were brilliant. Maybe we will see them again for number 3!’

Victoria Hayman

10 November 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the entire team for supporting me throughout my IVF journey. I am delighted to share that I had a positive pregnancy test following my very first IVF cycle fresh embryo transfer, and I am now 9 weeks pregnant! The staff at the LWC Colchester satellite clinic are very supportive, approachable and always do their best to help you at every stage of the journey. I would definitely recommend LWC Colchester to anyone considering fertility treatment. A special thank you to Dr Timea Kovats, a highly experienced, knowledgeable and to the wonderful staff Jackie, Annette, Tracey. Their excellent guidance, expertise, care and supportive approach played a significant role in making my first IVF cycle successful. I am truly grateful for their dedication, encouragement and support throughout this journey. I am equally grateful to all the staff at Colchester satellite clinic and the London main clinic for their care and support throughout the entire process. Thank you once again for helping us achieve such a special milestone in our lives. We will always be grateful for your support! ❤️’

jigu

10 November 2026, LWC Colchester

‘Friendly, experienced and professional team. Supported throughout the entire process and would highly recommend.’

Mizzee West

10 November 2026, LWC Brighton

‘The nursing team are so friendly and so supportive. Made everything so much better and easier to go through egg freezing.’

Megan Godber

10 November 2026, LWC Brighton

‘We had a great experience as the team here are very knowledgeable and caring and they made us feel taken care of throughout! Big shout out to Rute & Trianni for their care and support 😊’

Chiamaka Nelson

9 November 2026, LWC Cambridge

‘The team here are very kind and helpful and made the journey completely painless! They kept us informed throughout the process and were always responsive when we had questioned’

Aruna Nelson

9 November 2026, LWC Cambridge

‘They've given us wonderful service very easy to be around. Very good communication, and very good at helping us out with everything they've done so far.’

Jessica Norman

9 November 2026, LWC Oxford

‘We had a fantastic experience with LWC, Dr Rimington’s passion and expertise were second to none and we strongly believe that he is the reason for our success. All the staff were lovely, helpful and kind - we will definitely use LWC again’

Hannah Hale

9 November 2026, LWC Brighton

‘I honestly cannot recommend this fertility clinic highly enough. From the very beginning, the care, compassion and support we received were absolutely exceptional. Going through fertility treatment is an incredibly emotional journey, with so many ups and downs, but the team made us feel supported, listened to and genuinely cared for every step of the way. Nothing ever felt like too much trouble, and every member of staff we encountered was kind, understanding, professional and reassuring. What really stood out was how personal the experience felt. We never felt like just another number. The team took the time to answer our questions, put our minds at ease and guide us through what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming process. We are incredibly grateful for everything they have done for us and will never forget the part they have played in helping us grow our family. We now have our little miracles, and we couldn't be more thankful. If you're considering fertility treatment, I would wholeheartedly recommend LWC. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping make our dream come true! ❤️’

Emma Hayman

8 November 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘Had a really positive experience visiting the Oxford Clinic. Nurse Manager Liv, took time to make me us feel at ease and explained how the appointment will go. Thank you!’

Kinga Arcana-Jones

7 November 2026, LWC Oxford

‘Everyone my partner and I have interacted with at the Oxford clinic has been warm, friendly and knowledgeable. They’ve really helped make a very daunting process easier to go through and I’m very glad we chose this clinic!’

Jess Palmer

5 November 2026, LWC Oxford

‘Very friendly staff and a lovely inclusive environment, had a wonderful experience here. Highly recommend for anyone looking at fertility preservation.’

T Ilagan

5 November 2026, LWC Oxford

‘As an LGBTQ couple we found LWC Colchester incredibly supportive, no question was too much. They were friendly and welcoming, with modern facilities, and made your journey feel very personalised. We would highly recommend them for your fertility journey.’

Jasmine Colman

5 November 2026, LWC Colchester

‘A massive thank you to Dom and Dr Vasquez for all of their help throughout the process!’

James Purcell

5 November 2026, LWC Tunbridge Wells

‘Me and my husband can’t thank everyone at London Women’s Clinic enough for all the care and support throughout our recent treatment. Everything went really well, and we are so grateful to all the doctors and the entire team for looking after me. A special thank you to Mimi, Dr Barbara, Caroline, Trina and Elena from Embryology team and the Theatre Team - Rose, Martin and Amy F. Everyone was so kind, helpful and reassuring, and it really made a difference. Thank you all for everything. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️’

IsadelandCyril

4 November 2026, LWC Harley Street

‘I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the entire team who supported us throughout our IVF treatment. ❤️ A special thank you to Ana-Maria,our nurse, for her kindness, patience, compassion and professionalism. She was always so caring, understanding and supportive, making us feel reassured and comfortable during such an emotional and challenging journey. We would also like to thank Dr Gill from the bottom of our hearts for his professionalism, dedication, expertise and the confidence he gave us throughout the entire process. IVF is not just a medical treatment; it is an emotional journey filled with hope, challenges and many feelings. Having such wonderful people by our side made everything so much easier. Thank you for your care, support and dedication. We truly appreciate everything you have done for us and would wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone beginning their IVF journey. Thank you for being part of our journey! ❤️’

Alexandru Predescu

3 November 2026, LWC Harrow

‘I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the entire team who supported us throughout our IVF treatment. ❤️ A special thank you to Ana-Maria,our nurse, for her kindness, patience, compassion and professionalism. She was always so caring, understanding and supportive, making us feel reassured and comfortable during such an emotional and challenging journey. We would also like to thank Dr Gill from the bottom of our hearts for his professionalism, dedication, expertise and the confidence he gave us throughout the entire process. IVF is not just a medical treatment; it is an emotional journey filled with hope, challenges and many feelings. Having such wonderful people by our side made everything so much easier. Thank you for your care, support and dedication. We truly appreciate everything you have done for us and would wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone beginning their IVF journey. Thank you for being part of our journey! ❤️’

Mihaela-Clemansa Predescu

3 November 2026, LWC Harrow

‘Simply Brilliant .’

Ramachandran Jeyamohan

3 November 2026, LWC Colchester

‘I feel so blessed and grateful to have been under the lovely nurse Katie and Dr Kovats’s care. Everyone I encountered in the clinic on or off line was friendly, reassuring, thoughtful, and patient with me. I could feel the genuine care from Katie and Dr Kovats. I feel very reassured knowing they'd be there with me every step of the way; it is a great relief to have medical professionals like them on my side. They listened attentively, were reassuring, explained what I need to know thoroughly and were very approachable. Thank you to Carina, the friendly clinic coordinator, for always answering my emails promptly and being so helpful with all the questions I threw at her. Also, to the lovely staff member with blonde hair (I’m so sorry I forgot your name!) who did the ultrasound scan, thank you for being so attentive and making me feel relaxed. The clinic has a calm, relaxing vibe and is very clean. I have had a wonderful experience with the clinic and would highly recommend the team to anyone on their fertility journey!’

T Yang

3 November 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘We have used London Women's Clinic twice in the last two years for successful egg retrieval and two subsequent frozen embryo transfers. We have always been met with care, compassion and a personal approach. Every step from the initial consultation right through to the 7 week scan has been professional and polite, always accommodating our needs and timings. We can't thank the team enough for giving us such support towards creating our family.’

Lucy Richards

2 November 2026, LWC Tunbridge Wells

‘Myself and my husband owe it all to london womens clinic, they were amazing from start to finish. We previously were under another clinic and decided to make the change due to many reasons and we are so glad we did. They treat everyone as individuals, not everyones fertility journeys are the same. The small team at Colchester make it so personable not to mention how amazing all 4 women are that work here, their knowledge empathy and listening skills simply cannot be found at any other clinic. The list goes on as to why I would recommend LWC but everyone likes a to the point review. They genuinely care they dont treat you like a number and they help you through every hurdle that occurs. Our little boy wouldn't be possible without these 4, each of them play a bigger part than they realise. 💙’

Ellen Turrell

2 November 2026, LWC Colchester

‘Wonderful punch of people, caring, competent, and efficient in all they do. It feels we are all in a mission together and they are invested in the success of our pregnancy. Thank k you 🙏’

Yasmine Mora

30 October 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘I couldn’t speak more highly of the London Women’s Clinic Oxford! From the moment you walk in you are greeted with such a warm welcome. The reception area is bright and welcoming and the receptionist is lovely. All of the staff are so friendly, helpful and polite. Going through this journey can be emotional, so having such a wonderful supportive, caring clinic to visit makes all the difference. Everyone goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and looked after. I feel so lucky to have such a lovely team supporting me along the way. Thank you all! 🍀💗’

Louise

30 October 2026, LWC Oxford

‘Incredible service and professionals. They made me feel comfortable and safe the entire journey. Thank you!’

Luciana Lombardi

30 October 2026, LWC Cambridge

‘I had an absolutely amazing experience at LWC from start to finish! There are literally no wait times so we were able to get started pretty much straight away after consultation. The process was seamless, with a lot of flexibility if you need to change appt time. Nurses are amazing and so supportive. Special shout out to Kate and Chris who were so kind and made the whole experience so much better. Also the nurses on the ward were absolutely amazing but I can’t remember their names. I’m now discharged as I’m pregnant from my first try! However I will look forward to returning in the future for my second embryo which is currently frozen 😊’

Kathryn Jessica

27 October 2026, LWC Bromley