Woman loses embryos case
11 Apr 07
Court's decision leaves infertile woman distraught
A 35-year-old woman has lost the battle to use the embryos fertilised by her former partner.
Natalie Evans was left infertile after treatment for cancer several years ago. She and her then partner Howard Johnston underwent IVF in 2001, but he withdrew his consent for the embryos to be used when the couple split up in 2002.
The European Court of Human Rights yesterday ruled that Ms Evans' right to become a mother did not outweigh Mr Johnston's right not to become the father of her children.
Ms Evans had previously taken her case to the High Court and the Court of Appeal. The House of Lords refused to consider the case and in March last year, a seven-judge panel at the human rights court rejected her case in a 5-2 decision.
Mr Johnston said yesterday's decision was another victory for common sense. He said that he wanted to be able to choose when and with whom he could become a parent. Ms Evans said the court's decision had left her distraught.
The embryos are now likely to be destroyed within 28 days.