Sperm donations initially made in the UK are being exported to other countries in violation of rules, creating a situation of children being 'mass-produced' in multiple countries in Europe and beyond, according to a report.

Rules limit each sperm donation to 10 families in Britain, but there's no such limit on sperm or eggs from the country being sent abroad. This legal loophole is being exploited in what appears to be an industrial-level practice.

Such exports lead to more donor-conceived children abroad, who "could have to navigate relationships with dozens of biological half-siblings across Europe," The Guardian newspaper said in an exclusive report.

<h2>Why is UK sperm donations abroad a cause of concern?</h2>

“I’m not against there being more than 10 families if some are outside the UK, but 75, which some of these banks have alighted on, is a heck of a lot of relatives," Sarah Norcross, director of the fertility charity Progress Educational Trust told The Guradian.&nbsp;

These days, donor anonymity is practically non-existent, and it's possible to track down biological parents using new DNA testing options proliferating online.

While making contact with biological half-siblings is viewed positively, but when their numbers grew, it "felt unmanageable to have contact and relationships with a growing and indeterminate number of people,” said Prof Lucy Frith of the University of Manchester.

“Once you’ve frozen sperm it doesn’t get any older,” said Prof Jackson Kirkman-Brown, chair of the Association for Reproductive and Clinical Scientists.

This means donor sperm can be used over years or decades.&nbsp;“You can end up with donor siblings older than your parents,” Kirkman-Brown said, giving a hypothetical scenario.

Also read: UK: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-man-makes-partner-pregnant-by-mixing-his-own-sperm-with-fathers-escapes-paternity-test-690887">Man impregnates partner by mixing his sperm with father's, escapes paternity test</a>

Donations are "presented to donors as a beautiful gift to help someone create a family, not as, ‘We’re going to maximise the number of births from your gametes and make as much money as we can from that,’” said Prof Nicky Hudson, a medical sociologist at De Montford University.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is in control of sperm donation rules in the UK?</h2>

The rules in Britain regarding sperm and egg donations are controlled by Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). “As the HFEA has no remit over donation outside of HFEA licensed clinics, there would be no monitoring of how many times a donor is used in these circumstances,” Rachel Cutting, director of compliance and information at the HFEA, was quoted as saying in the Guardian report.

 
WATCH: 50% drop in sperm count globally 
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The Guardian report said Kirkman-Brown and other experts are asking HFEA to crack down.

“There is data showing that some of the children who find the really big families struggle with that,” Kirkman-Brown said. “If you believe that it’s necessary to enforce the 10-family limit in the modern world, then logically that should apply wherever the sperm are from.”

<h2>Britain's sperm donation 'industry'</h2>

Ironically, Britain was an importer of sperm till five years ago, mainly from the US and Denmark, the report pointed out. But between 2019 and 2021, UK exported 7,542 straws of sperm. The world’s largest sperm and egg bank Cryos opened a unit in Manchester this April.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-supreme-court-allows-62-year-old-woman-to-remove-sperm-from-her-dead-husband-676124">Australia's Supreme Court allows 62-year-old woman to remove sperm from her dead husband</a> 
&nbsp;

"The European Sperm Bank, which accounted for 90% of exports, applies a worldwide limit of 75 families a donor and estimates that its donors help on average 25 families," the report said.

<h2>Egg donation also rising, but some feel it's like human trafficking</h2>

Besides the better-known sperm donations, there is growth in egg donations too in Britain.

Egg freezing technologies have grown in recent years, and egg donations are likely to increase as payments for the same is going to go up from £750 to £986 in October, the Guardian report said.

“The idea of a dad to loads of children already exists in our cultural imagination. We don’t have that for women,” noted Prof Nicky Hudson, a medical sociologist at De Montford University, Hudson, adding that it's not an idea encouraged by women. One of them told Hudson it 'felt like human trafficking'.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sperm donations initially made in the UK are being exported to other countries in violation of rules, creating a situation of children being 'mass-produced' in multiple countries in Europe and beyond, according to a report.

Sperm donations initially made in the UK are being exported to other countries in violation of rules, creating a situation of children being 'mass-produced' in multiple countries in Europe and beyond, according to a report. Rules limit each sperm donation to 10 families in Britain, but there's no such limit on sperm or eggs from the country being sent abroad. This legal loophole is being exploited in what appears to be an industrial-level practice. Such exports lead to more donor-conceived children abroad, who "could have to navigate relationships with dozens of biological half-siblings across Europe," The Guardian newspaper said in an exclusive report. Why is UK sperm donations abroad a cause of concern? “I’m not against there being more than 10 families if some are outside the UK, but 75, which some of these banks have alighted on, is a heck of a lot of relatives," Sarah Norcross, director of the fertility charity Progress Educational Trust told The Guradian. These days, donor anonymity is practically non-existent, and it's possible to track down biological parents using new DNA testing options proliferating online. While making contact with biological half-siblings is viewed positively, but when their numbers grew, it "felt unmanageable to have contact and relationships with a growing and indeterminate number of people,” said Prof Lucy Frith of the University of Manchester. “Once you’ve frozen sperm it doesn’t get any older,” said Prof Jackson Kirkman-Brown, chair of the Association for Reproductive and Clinical Scientists. This means donor sperm can be used over years or decades. “You can end up with donor siblings older than your parents,” Kirkman-Brown said, giving a hypothetical scenario. Also read: UK: Man impregnates partner by mixing his sperm with father's, escapes paternity test Donations are "presented to donors as a beautiful gift to help someone create a family, not as, ‘We’re going to maximise the number of births from your gametes and make as much money as we can from that,’” said Prof Nicky Hudson, a medical sociologist at De Montford University. Who is in control of sperm donation rules in the UK? The rules in Britain regarding sperm and egg donations are controlled by Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). “As the HFEA has no remit over donation outside of HFEA licensed clinics, there would be no monitoring of how many times a donor is used in these circumstances,” Rachel Cutting, director of compliance and information at the HFEA, was quoted as saying in the Guardian report. WATCH: 50% drop in sperm count globally × The Guardian report said Kirkman-Brown and other experts are asking HFEA to crack down. “There is data showing that some of the children who find the really big families struggle with that,” Kirkman-Brown said. “If you believe that it’s necessary to enforce the 10-family limit in the modern world, then logically that should apply wherever the sperm are from.” Britain's sperm donation 'industry' Ironically, Britain was an importer of sperm till five years ago, mainly from the US and Denmark, the report pointed out. But between 2019 and 2021, UK exported 7,542 straws of sperm. The world’s largest sperm and egg bank Cryos opened a unit in Manchester this April. Also read: Australia's Supreme Court allows 62-year-old woman to remove sperm from her dead husband "The European Sperm Bank, which accounted for 90% of exports, applies a worldwide limit of 75 families a donor and estimates that its donors help on average 25 families," the report said. Egg donation also rising, but some feel it's like human trafficking Besides the better-known sperm donations, there is growth in egg donations too in Britain. Egg freezing technologies have grown in recent years, and egg donations are likely to increase as payments for the same is going to go up from £750 to £986 in October, the Guardian report said. “The idea of a dad to loads of children already exists in our cultural imagination. We don’t have that for women,” noted Prof Nicky Hudson, a medical sociologist at De Montford University, Hudson, adding that it's not an idea encouraged by women. One of them told Hudson it 'felt like human trafficking'. (With inputs from agencies)

Sperm from UK is being exported to other countries, leading to dozens of half-siblings: Report

In a shocking lawsuit filed in the US district court in Boston, Dr&nbsp;Merle Berger, a prominent figure in the field of fertility and founder of Boston IVF, is accused of clandestinely impregnating a patient with his own sperm.

Despite assuring the patient, Sarah Depoian, that the sperm would come from an anonymous donor resembling her husband, a hidden truth has come to light, leading to a legal battle that exposes ethical concerns in the realm of reproductive medicine, reported the Guardian.

As per the civil claim, Depoian and her husband sought fertility treatment with Dr&nbsp;Berger in 1980.

Assured by Berger that an anonymous medical resident's sperm would be used for insemination, the couple embarked on the treatment.

Shockingly, it is alleged that Berger secretly replaced the promised donor sperm with his own, violating Depoian's trust and denying her the right to give informed consent.

<img alt="Harvard medical school" src="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/a07344f78fcd2fbd700517d958446578e66c0ecd/0_200_6000_3602/master/6000.jpg?width=465&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none" />

Dr Merle Berger has been a professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard medical school for over three decades. Photo: Reuters&nbsp;

The truth remained hidden&nbsp;for decades until Depoian's daughter, Carolyn Bester, decided to explore her ancestry through at-home DNA tests. Born in 1981, Bester uncovered the shocking truth&nbsp;that Dr Merle Berger was her biological father.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/woman-goes-to-hospital-with-stomach-pain-walks-out-with-baby-that-was-growing-in-her-bowel-669342">Also read |&nbsp;Woman goes to hospital with stomach pain, walks out with a baby weeks later</a>

<h2>Allegations of 'medical rape'</h2>

Depoian's attorney, Adam Wolf, categorises Berger's actions as a severe breach of trust, describing the covert insemination as a form of "medical rape."

Wolf asserts that Berger intentionally violated his patient's wishes and acted unethically and illegally.

Also watch |&nbsp;WION Trending | Disgraced Canadian IVF doctor told to pay millions

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While Berger no longer practices, his legal team denies the allegations, claiming they lack legal or factual merit and vowing to disprove them in court.

This lawsuit is not an isolated incident, as similar cases are emerging across the United States.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a shocking lawsuit filed in the US district court in Boston, Dr Merle Berger, a prominent figure in the field of fertility and founder of Boston IVF, is accused of clandestinely impregnating a patient with his own sperm.

In a shocking lawsuit filed in the US district court in Boston, Dr Merle Berger, a prominent figure in the field of fertility and founder of Boston IVF, is accused of clandestinely impregnating a patient with his own sperm. Despite assuring the patient, Sarah Depoian, that the sperm would come from an anonymous donor resembling her husband, a hidden truth has come to light, leading to a legal battle that exposes ethical concerns in the realm of reproductive medicine, reported the Guardian. As per the civil claim, Depoian and her husband sought fertility treatment with Dr Berger in 1980. Assured by Berger that an anonymous medical resident's sperm would be used for insemination, the couple embarked on the treatment. Shockingly, it is alleged that Berger secretly replaced the promised donor sperm with his own, violating Depoian's trust and denying her the right to give informed consent. Dr Merle Berger has been a professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard medical school for over three decades. Photo: Reuters The truth remained hidden for decades until Depoian's daughter, Carolyn Bester, decided to explore her ancestry through at-home DNA tests. Born in 1981, Bester uncovered the shocking truth that Dr Merle Berger was her biological father. Also read | Woman goes to hospital with stomach pain, walks out with a baby weeks later Allegations of 'medical rape' Depoian's attorney, Adam Wolf, categorises Berger's actions as a severe breach of trust, describing the covert insemination as a form of "medical rape." Wolf asserts that Berger intentionally violated his patient's wishes and acted unethically and illegally. Also watch | WION Trending | Disgraced Canadian IVF doctor told to pay millions While Berger no longer practices, his legal team denies the allegations, claiming they lack legal or factual merit and vowing to disprove them in court. This lawsuit is not an isolated incident, as similar cases are emerging across the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

US fertility doctor accused of covertly impregnating patient with his own sperm

Many couples today are opting for IVF treatment when they face difficulties conceiving a baby. IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is a widely used assisted reproductive treatment where a woman's egg is fertilized with sperm outside the body in a laboratory dish to create an embryo. This embryo is then transferred back into the uterus to achieve pregnancy.

To increase the chances of IVF success, it's important to follow some essential guidelines during both IVF Stimulation, which involves hormonal medication to produce more eggs, and after the embryo is transferred back to the uterus. Speaking to WION on World IVF Day,&nbsp;Dr&nbsp;Avani Pillai, Senior Consultant &amp; Additional Professor at Amrita Fertility Centre, Kochi, shared the following:

<h2>Do’s for optimal IVF outcome</h2>

Educate Yourself: Understand the IVF process, which involves retrieving a woman's egg, fertilising it, and transferring the embryo back for pregnancy.

Follow Doctor's Instructions: Adhere to the diet, medication, and lifestyle recommendations given by your fertility specialist.

Prioritise Health: Ensure you are in good health before starting IVF. Maintain a nutritious diet and take preventive measures against diseases.

Get Adequate Sleep: Sufficient sleep is crucial for reproductive health for both men and women. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night to reduce stress and promote well-being.

Manage Stress: Minimise stress as it can negatively impact IVF. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, engage in creative activities and stay optimistic.

Be Mindful of Hormones and Emotions: Understand the emotional changes that hormonal injections can cause and address them positively.

Engage in Light Exercise: Consult your doctor and stick to light exercises like walking. Avoid intense workouts or excessive weight loss efforts.

Take Adequate Rest: Rest is very important for a couple of days during the embryo's proper attachment to the uterine wall. For the first couple of days, please take rest. Avoid lifting heavy things, running up the stairs, or bending excessively. Try to relax and stay positive during the process.

<h2>Don'ts during IVF stimulation and after embryo transfer</h2>

Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol consumption can negatively impact fertility and IVF outcomes for both men and women. Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake to enhance your chances of successful IVF.

Avoid Excessive Coffee: Cutting out caffeine during the implantation period is advisable, as it can potentially hurt the success of embryo implantation. Research indicates that even moderate caffeine intake can elevate the likelihood of experiencing a miscarriage.

Avoid Cosmetics/Perfumes: During and after embryo transfer, women should refrain from chemical exposure and avoid using cosmetics or perfumes as much as possible. These substances can be harmful to embryos and might impact their chances of successful implantation.

Avoid Travel: Traveling during IVF treatment is generally advised to minimise stress, adhere to the treatment schedule, attend crucial monitoring appointments, and reduce the risk of infection or complications. Prioritise your well-being and discuss any travel plans with your IVF specialist.

Avoid Intense Exercises: During IVF stimulation, it is recommended only to engage in gentle exercises, not strenuous or taxing activities. For the period after embryo transfer, it is advised to refrain from rigorous, high-intensity exercises as they can potentially impact the success of the treatment.

Avoid Intercourse: For many, there will be discomfort as ovaries expand during the IVF stimulation stage, so intercourse is strongly discouraged the day following the "trigger shot." The "trigger shot" is a medication used in fertility treatments to help time the release of eggs from the ovaries for better control and success. Avoiding intercourse after embryo transfer gives the embryo optimal time to implant into the uterine wall.

Avoid Extremely Hot Water Baths: Overheating is a risk hot baths can cause in body temperature and affect embryo implantation.

Following these guidelines diligently can contribute to a more successful IVF treatment and a healthier pregnancy journey. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice and guidance throughout the process.

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Many couples today are opting for IVF treatment when they face difficulties conceiving a baby. IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is a widely used assisted reproductive treatment where a woman's egg is fertilized with sperm outside the body in a laboratory dish to create an embryo.

Many couples today are opting for IVF treatment when they face difficulties conceiving a baby. IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is a widely used assisted reproductive treatment where a woman's egg is fertilized with sperm outside the body in a laboratory dish to create an embryo. This embryo is then transferred back into the uterus to achieve pregnancy. To increase the chances of IVF success, it's important to follow some essential guidelines during both IVF Stimulation, which involves hormonal medication to produce more eggs, and after the embryo is transferred back to the uterus. Speaking to WION on World IVF Day, Dr Avani Pillai, Senior Consultant & Additional Professor at Amrita Fertility Centre, Kochi, shared the following: Do’s for optimal IVF outcome Educate Yourself: Understand the IVF process, which involves retrieving a woman's egg, fertilising it, and transferring the embryo back for pregnancy. Follow Doctor's Instructions: Adhere to the diet, medication, and lifestyle recommendations given by your fertility specialist. Prioritise Health: Ensure you are in good health before starting IVF. Maintain a nutritious diet and take preventive measures against diseases. Get Adequate Sleep: Sufficient sleep is crucial for reproductive health for both men and women. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night to reduce stress and promote well-being. Manage Stress: Minimise stress as it can negatively impact IVF. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, engage in creative activities and stay optimistic. Be Mindful of Hormones and Emotions: Understand the emotional changes that hormonal injections can cause and address them positively. Engage in Light Exercise: Consult your doctor and stick to light exercises like walking. Avoid intense workouts or excessive weight loss efforts. Take Adequate Rest: Rest is very important for a couple of days during the embryo's proper attachment to the uterine wall. For the first couple of days, please take rest. Avoid lifting heavy things, running up the stairs, or bending excessively. Try to relax and stay positive during the process. Don'ts during IVF stimulation and after embryo transfer Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol consumption can negatively impact fertility and IVF outcomes for both men and women. Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake to enhance your chances of successful IVF. Avoid Excessive Coffee: Cutting out caffeine during the implantation period is advisable, as it can potentially hurt the success of embryo implantation. Research indicates that even moderate caffeine intake can elevate the likelihood of experiencing a miscarriage. Avoid Cosmetics/Perfumes: During and after embryo transfer, women should refrain from chemical exposure and avoid using cosmetics or perfumes as much as possible. These substances can be harmful to embryos and might impact their chances of successful implantation. Avoid Travel: Traveling during IVF treatment is generally advised to minimise stress, adhere to the treatment schedule, attend crucial monitoring appointments, and reduce the risk of infection or complications. Prioritise your well-being and discuss any travel plans with your IVF specialist. Avoid Intense Exercises: During IVF stimulation, it is recommended only to engage in gentle exercises, not strenuous or taxing activities. For the period after embryo transfer, it is advised to refrain from rigorous, high-intensity exercises as they can potentially impact the success of the treatment. Avoid Intercourse: For many, there will be discomfort as ovaries expand during the IVF stimulation stage, so intercourse is strongly discouraged the day following the "trigger shot." The "trigger shot" is a medication used in fertility treatments to help time the release of eggs from the ovaries for better control and success. Avoiding intercourse after embryo transfer gives the embryo optimal time to implant into the uterine wall. Avoid Extremely Hot Water Baths: Overheating is a risk hot baths can cause in body temperature and affect embryo implantation. Following these guidelines diligently can contribute to a more successful IVF treatment and a healthier pregnancy journey. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice and guidance throughout the process. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World IVF Day 2023: Expert shares tips for successful IVF treatment

In what comes as a major technological breakthrough, the first babies ever created using a sperm-injecting robot have been reportedly born in the US. The cutting-edge procedure could lower the cost of In vitro Fertilisation (IVF) by thousands of dollars, making it accessible to even the poorest.

In what comes as a major technological breakthrough, the first babies ever created using a sperm-injecting robot have been reportedly born in the US. The cutting-edge procedure could lower the cost of In vitro Fertilisation (IVF) by thousands of dollars, making it accessible to even the poorest. According to MIT’s Technology Review, engineers in Barcelona, Spain developed and designed the sperm-injecting robot which was sent to New York City's New Hope Fertility Center for the test. After assembling the robot, one of the engineers who had no experience in fertility medicine used a Sony PlayStation 5 controller to penetrate a human egg using a mechanised needle - dropping off a single sperm cell in the process successfully. Cumulatively, the robot managed to fertilise more than a dozen eggs which developed into healthy embryos and have now been born as two baby girls, with the scientists claiming them as the first infants born after fertilisation by a 'robot'. “I was calm. In that exact moment, I thought, ‘It’s just one more experiment,’” Eduard Alba, the student mechanical engineer who commanded the sperm-injecting device was quoted as saying in the publication. Meanwhile, one of the parents of the girl could not believe that such a scientific breakthrough happened in reality. “It’s wild, isn’t it? Until now it had always been done manually.” WATCH | WION Trending | Disgraced Canadian IVF doctor told to pay millions × Spanish startup making the breakthrough Notably, the technology and the robot have been developed by a startup company named 'Overture Life' which has already raised nearly $37 million in funding from investors including Khosla Ventures and Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube. The main aim of the technology is to reduce the costs associated with IVF. Currently, a single attempt at getting pregnant in the US using IVF can cost upwards of $20,000. The procedure requires trained embryologists who have to handle the eggs and sperm delicately under a microscope and use ultra-thin hollow needles to complete the fertilisation process. ALSO READ | ‘Artificial womb’ which can grow up to 30,000 babies a year? Scientist’s film shocks the internet However, with the sperm-injecting robot, the patients will not even need to visit a fertility clinic, in addition to spending a lot less. “[IVF] has to be cheaper. And if any doctor could do it, it would be,” said Santiago Munné, the prize-winning geneticist who is chief innovation officer at the Spanish company. ''Think of a box where sperm and eggs go in, and an embryo comes out five days later,'' he added. The critics, however, say the robot still does not solve the problem of ageing eggs which is one of the major reasons why fertility treatments fail. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

First babies conceived with 'sperm robot' using PlayStation 5 controller born

According to a new study, parental age plays a crucial factor during childbirth through IVF with a male partner over 40 and above likely to negatively affect birth rate.

The study found women who were between 35 and 40 and had a partner over 40 and above were less likely to conceive. The research looked at 19,000 IVF cycles. The study found that eggs from a younger female have the capacity to repair DNA damage from ageing male sperm. The research found when the woman is over 40 the egg quality lowers and it is less likely to repair damage found in the sperm.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/court-orders-compensation-for-botched-up-treatment-at-ivf-clinic-in-belgium-431769">Also Read:&nbsp;Court orders compensation for botched-up treatment at IVF clinic in Belgium</a>

Normally a women's age was seen as a crucial factor during childbirth however the researchers said parental age should not be ignored and the focus on a women's biological clock should not be the sole focus.

The UK study analysed the age of both men and women in over 18,000 IVF and ICSI cycles. The study found a drop in childbirth when the parental age was between 40 and 44 to 27 per cent compared to 32 per cent when the parents were under 35.

Watch:&nbsp;IVF patients miss out on proper medical counselling due to COVID-19 in UK

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The research said childbirth fell to 25 per cent when a male partner was over 55 years old.

Men were earlier believed to be able to conceive into their old age but researchers emphasised that the effect of ageing egg and sperm needed to studied more closely. &nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

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According to a new study, parental age plays a crucial factor during childbirth through IVF with a male partner over 40 and above likely to negatively affect birth rate.

According to a new study, parental age plays a crucial factor during childbirth through IVF with a male partner over 40 and above likely to negatively affect birth rate. The study found women who were between 35 and 40 and had a partner over 40 and above were less likely to conceive. The research looked at 19,000 IVF cycles. The study found that eggs from a younger female have the capacity to repair DNA damage from ageing male sperm. The research found when the woman is over 40 the egg quality lowers and it is less likely to repair damage found in the sperm. Also Read: Court orders compensation for botched-up treatment at IVF clinic in Belgium Normally a women's age was seen as a crucial factor during childbirth however the researchers said parental age should not be ignored and the focus on a women's biological clock should not be the sole focus. The UK study analysed the age of both men and women in over 18,000 IVF and ICSI cycles. The study found a drop in childbirth when the parental age was between 40 and 44 to 27 per cent compared to 32 per cent when the parents were under 35. Watch: IVF patients miss out on proper medical counselling due to COVID-19 in UK The research said childbirth fell to 25 per cent when a male partner was over 55 years old. Men were earlier believed to be able to conceive into their old age but researchers emphasised that the effect of ageing egg and sperm needed to studied more closely. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Male 'biological clock' crucial factor during childbirth, study finds

A couple in Mumbai has petitioned the Bombay High Court to allow them to complete the surrogacy procedure which had begun before the new Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act and Surrogacy Act came into effect.

The new laws were brought in earlier this year in January to prevent the sale of embryos. The couple said both their children had died and the woman was told by doctors that she wouldn't be able to naturally bear children.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-increase-freeze-limit-for-eggs-sperm-embryo-to-55-years-from-10-now-411103">Also Read:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-to-increase-freeze-limit-for-eggs-sperm-embryo-to-55-years-from-10-now-411103" hreflang="en">UK to increase freeze limit for eggs, sperm, embryo to 55 years from 10 now</a>

In October last year, they began the surrogacy procedure and in December the embryos were ready for implantation, however, on January 25 the new Surrogacy Act came into effect as the doctor from the hospital said it would no longer be able to carry out the procedure and the transfer of embryos also could not take place.

The couple approached an IVF fertility centre which agreed to carry out the surrogacy procedure, however, the hospital which had the embryos in its possession was allegedly not cooperating so the couple knocked on the door of the Bombay High Court to find a way out.

Watch:&nbsp;&nbsp;Scientists inject human cells into Monkey's embryo

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The application said the procedure had started before the act had come into force and so the embryos should be transferred to the new facility where the procedure would take place.

The High Court bench has directed P D Hinduja hospital to respond to the petition.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

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&nbsp;

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A couple in Mumbai has petitioned the Bombay High Court to allow them to complete the surrogacy procedure which had begun before the new Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act and Surrogacy Act came into effect.

A couple in Mumbai has petitioned the Bombay High Court to allow them to complete the surrogacy procedure which had begun before the new Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act and Surrogacy Act came into effect. The new laws were brought in earlier this year in January to prevent the sale of embryos. The couple said both their children had died and the woman was told by doctors that she wouldn't be able to naturally bear children. Also Read: UK to increase freeze limit for eggs, sperm, embryo to 55 years from 10 now In October last year, they began the surrogacy procedure and in December the embryos were ready for implantation, however, on January 25 the new Surrogacy Act came into effect as the doctor from the hospital said it would no longer be able to carry out the procedure and the transfer of embryos also could not take place. The couple approached an IVF fertility centre which agreed to carry out the surrogacy procedure, however, the hospital which had the embryos in its possession was allegedly not cooperating so the couple knocked on the door of the Bombay High Court to find a way out. Watch: Scientists inject human cells into Monkey's embryo The application said the procedure had started before the act had come into force and so the embryos should be transferred to the new facility where the procedure would take place. The High Court bench has directed P D Hinduja hospital to respond to the petition. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Couple moves Bombay High Court over frozen embryo after changes in law