High Court battle over frozen embryos begins

Two British women have launched a High Court action challenging the law that says that their stored frozen embryos must be destroyed. Natallie Evans and Lorraine Hadley both have embryos that were stored before they underwent medical treatments, but their former partners have withdrawn their consent to use them.

Under UK law, both partners involved in the creation of an embryo have to consent to it being used in IVF treatment. If one partner does not consent, the embryos must be destroyed. Muiris Lyons, the lawyer acting for the women, says that the women are challenging this law, using human rights legislation, because it discriminates against them because they are infertile. According to Lyons, if the women could have become pregnant naturally and the embryos were in their bodies, their partners 'would have no say' over what the women could do. He added: 'the law as it stands gives their former partners a complete veto'.

Howard Johnston, the former partner of Natalie Evans, has suggested that she use donated embryos in order to have a child. He is worried about having 'ongoing legal, financial and moral responsibilities' for any child born. Lorraine Hadley has said that she is prepared to sign a statement saying she would refrain from pursuing her former husband for child support.

Muiris Lyons believes that the decision in the case will affect anyone using IVF procedures in the UK. He said 'it is important for the wider public aspect that the law is clarified because there is certainly ambiguity at the moment. Hopefully this case will clarify the position'. The High Court hearing is expected to take place on 19 September.