Lords rule IVF lesbians don't need dads

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

They rejected cross-party calls to stress the importance of having "a father and a mother". The Lords agreed, without a vote, to replace references in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 to "the need of that child for a father" with "the need of that child for supportive parenting".

The act's references guide clinicians in their consideration of the welfare of the child when deciding whether or not to offer IVF treatment.

Ministers also agreed to review new consent laws on embryonic stem cell experiments amid concerns from scientists that they could limit medical research.Crossbencher Baroness Deech, the former chairman of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, had sought to replace the government's new reference to supportive parenting with the words "support by a father and a mother". But her report stage amendment to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill was rejected by 165 votes to 93, a government majority of 72.

Peers are also seeking to amend the bill to stop abortions of babies simply because they have minor disabilities.

And they agreed to review new consent laws on embryonic stem cell experiments after concerns they could limit medical research.