The WLR Daily case summaries
[2017] WLR (D) 640
Queen’s Bench Division
B v IVF Hammersmith Ltd (R, Part 20 defendant)
[2017] EWHC 2438 (QB)
Jay J
2017 July 18–21, 25, 26; Oct 6
Contract— Construction— Express term— Agreement to thaw embryo requiring written consent from male and female— Estranged female partner forging male’s written consent to thaw frozen embryo— Whether clinic in breach of obligation to obtain written consent from male— Nature of clinic’s obligation— Whether “written consent” and “written informed consent” different
Damages— Contract— Breach— Estranged female partner forging claimant male’s written consent to thaw and implant frozen embryo— Male claiming damages against clinic for upbringing of child— Whether damages recoverable for costs of child’s upbringing in contractual claim founded on strict obligations— Whether legal policy relevant to tortious claim applying to contractual claim founded on identical substantive duties
Medical practitioner— Medical treatment— Human fertilisation— Male claimant and female partner providing gametes for creation of embryos by in vitro fertilisation— Embryos frozen and stored— Parties separating— Female forging claimant’s written consent to thaw and implant frozen embryo— Whether claimant’s initial consent continuing— Whether thawing of embryo “use”—
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (c 37), Sch 3, para 6