Rights and responsibilities: contested parenthood

This article explores the controversies generated by Evans v Amicus Healthcare Ltd and Others ([2003] EWHC 2161 (Fam), [2005] Fam 1; [2004] EWCA Civ 727, [2004] 2 FLR 766; Evans v UK (Application 6339/05) [2007] ECHR 264) in which a woman sought to use stored embryos contrary to the wishes of her ex-partner. The case generated widespread interest and illustrates the complexities of modern parenting in the age of assisted procreation. The article will consider the role of consent in reproductive autonomy and whether it is possible (or justifiable) to treat men and women 'equally' in the treatments offered in reproductive medicine.