CarnalNation

According to the UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the fertility watchdog, men have to have given their express written consent for their sperm to be used in IVF treatment after their death.

This came about after how a woman won the right to conceive a child using sperm from her dead husband even though he had not given written consent while he was alive. The 42-year-old woman from Twickenham, London, was given permission to export the sperm to America to undergo fertility treatment there. Doctors had taken the sperm from her 30-year-old husband after he died unexpectedly during a routine operation.

In response to the outcome of the case the HFEA changed its forms that couples are asked to fill in to give their consent for their sperm or eggs to be used during IVF treatment. These now specifically ask men if they agree to their sperm being used after they die.

The case had echoes of that of Diane Blood, who fought a long court battle to use sperm obtained from her husband, Stephen, while he was in a coma. In that case, however, Mrs Blood had her husband's verbal consent for his sperm to be used.