Couple's embryo appeal goes to PM

A couple from Gloucester have delivered a petition to Downing Street urging the relaxation of a law which means the destruction of their frozen embryos.

Mel Gladwin, originally from Kent, had cervical cancer six years ago and with husband Rob stored fertilized eggs.

New laws from 1 October allow frozen embryo storage for 10 years, but because theirs are over the old five-year limit they must be destroyed.

The Department of Health said they were sympathetic and "exploring options".

The couple have a three-year-old son who was born via surrogate pregnancy from one of their frozen embryos.

'Safe storage'

They said they were now "absolutely desperate" for another child.

Their petition calls on the prime minister to ensure the safe and continued storage of embryos whose statutory storage period has expired when the new law comes into force.

They state this is in line with recommendations from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

Their frozen embryos are currently in storage at a clinic in London.

A spokesman for the Department of Health quoted an earlier statement from Gillian Merron, Minister for Public Health, which said: "For a small number of people the end of the storage period for their embryos will come before these new rules come into force.

"I am very sympathetic to their situation and have asked my officials to urgently explore options for assisting these people."

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