The Embryo Affair
Brief overview: A baby girl born through in vitro fertilization was mistakenly given to other parents, with whom she grew up for over two years. The mistake was discovered and genetic tests (ordered by the court) found the biological parents.
The many dilemmas that arise around the question of whether to “return” the baby to her biological parents would be fascinating if it weren’t so upsetting.
The court has now ruled to transfer her to her biological parents. The reasons are convincing, but it’s hard not to get confused when you think about the other sides to the dilemma.
This is perhaps too complex a question for a reply, and perhaps more appropriate for a column. I will understand if the answer is: I don’t know the details of the story, or I don’t have the strength to get into the details. I simply greatly appreciate your philosophical and halachic analyses, and this is an opportunity to thank you.