embryo lawsuit

[GenuineRisk]

That's fascinating. And a very good example of how science changes our circumstances faster than society's ability to keep up with it.

I have no idea how I would rule, were I a judge hearing the case. The ex-boyfriend was willing for the woman to have the embryos if the hospital would destroy all records, but the hospital wouldn't do that (which I could see, from a health records standpoint). I wonder if a court could order records destroyed, though.

From an ethical standpoint, at what point is donating sperm and then changing your mind about it different from having sex without a condom? If a man can refuse to let a woman implant eggs he had agreed to fertilize, can he then push a pregnant woman into an abortion she doesn't want?

And what happens years from now if the woman finds herself in a bad financial situation and needs assistance? Some states insist that every effort be made to extract support from the biological dad, regardless of the feelings of the parties involved (so the state doesn't have to pay support). In those instances, the courts rule on behalf of what is best for the child (as they should, since the child is an innocent party). So it's possible the man could still end up financially liable, all of her assurances to the contrary notwithstanding.

From a practical standpoint, it seems the lesson learned is, no matter how head over heels you are with someone, use an anonymous sperm donor. And sign all the documents.

But a truly awful situation- to be coming to the end of your fertile years and have to make a choice in a matter of weeks. Really a no-win for everyone.

F*CK CANCER.