In the UK, the rules and legal framework pertaining to embryos, fertility treatments, and reproductive technologies are referred to as HFE, or Human Fertilization and Embryology. It became significant in the 1990s when IVF and other forms of assisted reproduction became more widespread. The goal of HFE law was to make sure that generating and preserving embryos while employing them happened safely, ethically, and with proper consent. The 14-day limit, which permitted researchers to examine embryos for no more than two weeks following fertilization, was one well-known regulation. Approval is essential to reproduction and research since the 1990 law also required written approval from anyone whose sperm, eggs, or embryos were utilized. The HFE method strikes a compromise between technological advancements and moral considerations regarding the treatment of human embryos. I feel like knowing this helps with the spooky, haunted vibe of the book and helps me to understand just how deep the story really is.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/37/contents
https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/how-we-regulate/ HFEA