A mother-of-six with learning disabilities can be sterilised, a judge has ruled. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
They argued such moves were in the best interests of the woman, who is 36. <\/p>\n
Specialists said the woman had physical health problems which could put her life in danger if she became pregnant again. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Mr Justice Cobb today granted their applications. <\/p>\n
The judge described the case as \"exceptional\" and said the circumstances were \"extreme\". <\/p>\n
He said the case was not about eugenics and that a further pregnancy could threaten the woman's life. <\/p>\n
Mr Justice Cobb did not identify anyone involved. <\/p>\n
\"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. <\/p>\n
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Originally posted here: <\/p>\n
Judge approves forced sterilisation<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 Continue reading