Jul/090
Ban on IVF donors leads to shortage of eggs
A review in the sale of sperm and eggs for use in fertilisation treatment has arisen in the attempt to increase donations. Currently many childless couples are forced to seek treatment abroad due to a shortage in donations. Lisa Jardine, of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority suggests an increase in the expenses payment of £250 to donors to encourage women to donate their eggs. Furthermore the loss of anonymity of sperm donors was also highlighted as having a possible negative effect.
Concerns have been raised as to the exploitation of poorer women donating eggs to raise money if a higher rate is set. However Jardine argues that the higher rate should exist for women donating their eggs as the procedure is more invasive than sperm donation. Although it is generally agreed that the sale of eggs and sperm raises a number of ethical questions Jardine believes it would create a more transparent system. The authority is also set to discuss the guidelines surrounding donations within a family.
One such case was that of a 72-year-old man who donated his sperm to his daughter-in-law and the rules with regards to brother and sister donations.
Jun/090
Fraudulent Canoeist must pay back insurance
Fraudulent canoeist, John Darwin and his wife Anne Darwin will be sued by the Proceeds of Crime act to claim back the £250,000 insurance money issued when they faked his death.
The couple claimed John had drowned at sea and even convinced their own sons so that they could claim on the life insurance and he could start a new life abroad.
When he returned claiming he had amnesia he was arrested and jailed for 6 years for deception and his wife Anne was jailed for 6 ½ years for fraud and money laundering.
Jun/090
CGNU Life and CULAC policy holders to receive payouts
Aviva are sending out voting packs to policy holders to accept £200 of its surplus funds.
The funds have been building up over many decades in the “with – profits” funds of life insurance policies and insurers have been pressured into dividing up the funds fairly to stop policy holders being able to claim a share in the future.
Obviously, the payout depends on what type of policy consumers have. The value, type and how long they have left will all depend on how much payout they will receive.
Policy holders were told to return their votes by the 21st August. Those who vote ‘yes’ will have their policies looked at and a payout devised. Those who vote ‘no’ will receive nothing.
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