The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 received Royal Assent on 13 November 2008.

The 2008 Act mainly amends the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990. Key provisions of the 2008 Act are to:

• ensure that all human embryos outside the body – whatever the process used in their creation - are subject to regulation
• ensure regulation of "human-admixed" embryos created from a combination of human and animal genetic material for research 
• ban sex selection of offspring for non-medical reasons. Sex selection is allowed for medical reasons – for example to avoid a serious disease that affects only boys
• recognise same-sex couples as legal parents of children conceived through the use of donated sperm, eggs or embryos.  These provisions enable, for example, the civil partner of a woman who carries a child via IVF to be recognised as the child’s legal parent
• retain a duty to take account of the welfare of the child in providing fertility treatment, but replace the reference to "the need for a father" with "the need for supportive parenting" – hence valuing the role of all parents.

Further information is on Parliament's website.