Menu
01/10/2003
Women lose right to save frozen embryos
Two women have lost a High Court bid to gain control over their frozen embryos without the consent of their former partners.
Natallie Evans, 31, and Lorraine Hadley, 38, had been seeking the High Court to rule on whether they could complete an in vitro fertilization programme that had been commenced with former partners.
The two women claimed that the frozen embryos represented their only chanced of conceiving, and had sought to challenge the 1990 Human Fertilization and Embryology (HFEA) Act which states that embryos must be destroyed if couples split up.
Couples receiving counselling on IVF treatment will now have to be informed that embryos will have to be destroyed if there is no mutual consent on the use of the stored embryos.
Judge Justice Ward ruled that, while he had sympathy for the parties, he could not overrule the law as it stood. The women had argued the case on the grounds that the women's human rights were being infringed if they were not allowed to use the embryos.
The judge stated that it should be left to Parliament's to decide if the law needed to be amended.
Both women have suffered fertility problems due to medical conditions and had embryos harvested as part of IVF treatment. Neither of the women's former partners want to father children as the relationships have ended and they would in addition be responsible for supporting the children.
It is understood that the embryos will not be destroyed until the High Court appeals procedure is exhausted.
(SP)
Natallie Evans, 31, and Lorraine Hadley, 38, had been seeking the High Court to rule on whether they could complete an in vitro fertilization programme that had been commenced with former partners.
The two women claimed that the frozen embryos represented their only chanced of conceiving, and had sought to challenge the 1990 Human Fertilization and Embryology (HFEA) Act which states that embryos must be destroyed if couples split up.
Couples receiving counselling on IVF treatment will now have to be informed that embryos will have to be destroyed if there is no mutual consent on the use of the stored embryos.
Judge Justice Ward ruled that, while he had sympathy for the parties, he could not overrule the law as it stood. The women had argued the case on the grounds that the women's human rights were being infringed if they were not allowed to use the embryos.
The judge stated that it should be left to Parliament's to decide if the law needed to be amended.
Both women have suffered fertility problems due to medical conditions and had embryos harvested as part of IVF treatment. Neither of the women's former partners want to father children as the relationships have ended and they would in addition be responsible for supporting the children.
It is understood that the embryos will not be destroyed until the High Court appeals procedure is exhausted.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 February 2005
Woman in frozen embryo row takes case to Europe
A British woman, left infertile after cancer treatment, is to take her case to the European Court of Human Rights, in order to win the right to use frozen embryos created from her eggs. Natalie Evans was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and decided to undergo IVF treatment with her fiancé, Howard Johnson in 2001.
Woman in frozen embryo row takes case to Europe
A British woman, left infertile after cancer treatment, is to take her case to the European Court of Human Rights, in order to win the right to use frozen embryos created from her eggs. Natalie Evans was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and decided to undergo IVF treatment with her fiancé, Howard Johnson in 2001.
07 March 2006
British woman loses legal battle over embryos
A British woman has lost her legal battle to use her frozen embryos to have a baby at the European Court of Human Rights. Natalie Evans, 35, from Wiltshire, had started IVF treatment with her then partner, Howard Johnson, in 2001, after treatment for ovarian cancer left her infertile.
British woman loses legal battle over embryos
A British woman has lost her legal battle to use her frozen embryos to have a baby at the European Court of Human Rights. Natalie Evans, 35, from Wiltshire, had started IVF treatment with her then partner, Howard Johnson, in 2001, after treatment for ovarian cancer left her infertile.
17 February 2004
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
20 December 2013
Pair Found Guilty Of Lee Rigby Murder
Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale have been found guilty of murdering soldier Lee Rigby. Fusilier Rigby was killed as he made his way back to Woolwich barracks in south-east London on 22 May. The soldier was struck by a car before being dragged into the road and attacked with knives and a meat cleaver.
Pair Found Guilty Of Lee Rigby Murder
Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale have been found guilty of murdering soldier Lee Rigby. Fusilier Rigby was killed as he made his way back to Woolwich barracks in south-east London on 22 May. The soldier was struck by a car before being dragged into the road and attacked with knives and a meat cleaver.
19 June 2006
New embryo test for genetic diseases
A new embryo test has been developed which could help reduce the risk of couples at risk of serious genetic diseases of having an affected baby. The test, which was developed by a team from Guy and St Thomas' NHS Trust in London, is being launched at a fertility conference in Prague on Monday.
New embryo test for genetic diseases
A new embryo test has been developed which could help reduce the risk of couples at risk of serious genetic diseases of having an affected baby. The test, which was developed by a team from Guy and St Thomas' NHS Trust in London, is being launched at a fertility conference in Prague on Monday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
