Cancer survivor to fight for her embryos

A woman is has launched a legal battle to try to prevent the destruction of her embryos, after her ex-partner asked for them to be removed from frozen storage. No longer wishing to become a father, Howard Johnston wrote to the Bath fertility clinic at which the embryos are being kept to withdraw his consent to their storage and use by Natalie Evans.

The couple had been trying for a baby but, after fertility investigations, were told that Ms Evans had ovarian cancer and would have to have her  ovaries removed. Just before she underwent the surgery, Ms Evans had 11 eggs collected, six of which were fertilised and put into frozen storage. But, when the couple separated in May, Mr Johnston asked for the embryos to be destroyed, fearing maintenance costs when a child was born.

Although UK law is clear on this issue, Ms Evans is seeking an order to prevent the destruction of the embryos until an agreement between the parties has been reached. Under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, both members of a couple must give their written consent to the storage and use of their embryos. If either person changes their mind, the consent is effectively withdrawn and the embryos must be destroyed.

Natalie Evans, who is 30, is desperate the save the embryos, which represent her only hope of having a genetically related child. 'All I've ever wanted is to be a wife and mother,' she said. 'I don't want fancy cars or houses. I just want to settle down and have children.'