text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill - Fertility treatment requires father and mother - rejected
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  
  
  The majority of MPs voted against requiring the need for both a father and a mother to be considered when taking account of the welfare of a child who may be born as a result of fertility treatment.  Instead, the law will stipulate the need for "supportive parenting".
  
  The current text in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 says:[1]
  
  :A woman shall not be provided with treatment services unless account has been taken of the welfare of any child who may be born as a result of the treatment (including the need of that child for a father), and of any other child who may be affected by the birth.
  
  The new Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill under discussion will substitute "a father" for "supportive parenting".[2]
  
  The vote, which was lost, would have instead changed "a father" to "a father and a mother" as it was written in the 1990 law.[3]
  
  * [1] [http://www.opsi.gov.uk/Acts/acts1990/ukpga_19900037_en_1#pb5-l1g13 Conditions of licences for treatment], Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, Clause 13(5)
  * [2] [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmbills/070/08070.6-12.html#j113 Conditions of licences for treatment], Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, Clause 14(2)(b), 6 February 2008
  * [3] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2008-05-20a.166.4 Iain Duncan Smith MP], House of Commons, 20 May 2008
  
  
  
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  