Could she have frozen unfertilised eggs instead?
Egg storing technology was not available in 2001, but it is now. However, according to the Human Embryology and Fertility Authority, egg freezing is still a very new technique with only a handful of babies born by it so far, compared to thousands using embryos. It has a much lower success rate than using embryos, and is mostly provided for single women facing cancer treatment that will leave them infertile. Who has “control” of the fertilised, frozen embryos? Under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, which governs IVF treatment, if a couple use their sperm and eggs to create embryos, both partners must give their permission for their storage and use. If donor sperm or eggs are used both the donor and the recipient (and recipient’s partner if they have one) must give their consent for use and storage. If one partner withdraws their consent the embryos must be destroyed. If the man dies, his partner can still use the embryos, provided there is written consent. Consent can be with
