Woman loses battle to use Frozen Embryos

A woman who has been left infertile by cancer treatment is unable to use frozen embryos that were fertilised with a previous partner. Ms Evans former Fiancé, Mr Johnston, withdrew his consent for the fertilised embryos to be used after the couple had split up.

Ms Evans first took her case to the UK courts and then to the European court of human rights. After a 5-year battle the European court judges voted against Ms Evans and her rights to use the frozen Embryos.

Ms Evans told a press conference "I am distraught at the court's decision today. It is very hard for to accept that the embryos will now be destroyed and I will never become a mother."

Mr Johnston told a separate press conference "It's a big relief after such a long time. It's good to know that the legal framework that is in place has held up", he later added "One of my basic principles has been to be able to choose when I want to become a father"

Advances in medical science now allow for the freezing of unfertilised eggs that can later be fertilised by sperm from another partner or donor.

This of course will be of no consolation to MS Evans.

Your Views

Posted by: Richard Posts: 129 From: Fordingbridge Hampshire		Woman loses right to use Frozen Embryos I believe Mr Johnston has as much right as Ms Evans to decide when he becomes a parent. Therefore the courts were right in my opinion.

	Posted: 12/Apr/07 at 5:51:54

Posted by: John Langford Posts: 18 From: Alton		Replies I can see both points of view but would she now be able to chase him for maintenace if she had his children?

	Posted: 12/Apr/07 at 14:00:26

What do you think?
Login or Register to add a comment or ask a question.