A mother-of-six with learning disabilities can be sterilised, a judge has ruled.

Health authority and social services bosses had asked Mr Justice Cobb to authorise forced entry into the woman's home, the use of ''necessary restraint'' and sterilisation, at a hearing in the Court of Protection - where issues relating to sick and vulnerable people are examined - in London.

They argued such moves were in the best interests of the woman, who is 36.

Specialists said the woman had physical health problems which could put her life in danger if she became pregnant again.

Officials acknowledged that the rulings they wanted were ''extraordinary'' but said the woman's health - and life - could be at ''grave'' risk if action was not taken.

Mr Justice Cobb today granted their applications.

The judge described the case as "exceptional" and said the circumstances were "extreme".

He said the case was not about eugenics and that a further pregnancy could threaten the woman's life.

Mr Justice Cobb did not identify anyone involved.

"The ethical, legal and medical issues arising here are self-evidently of the utmost gravity, engaging, and profoundly impacting upon (the woman's) personal autonomy, privacy, bodily integrity, and reproductive rights," Mr Justice Cobb explained in his written ruling.

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Judge approves forced sterilisation