Born with Two Mothers

Summary Two couples go for fertility treatment to a British IVF clinic on the same day. One couple is black, the other white. A lab technician thinks he might have mixed up their embryos, and confesses his uncertainty to the IVF team. The white woman becomes pregnant but the black woman does not. The (real) IVF consultant wants to tell both couples about the suspected mix-up, but is astounded when his (real) hospital lawyer tells him that under British law, he can only inform the pregnant woman - she should be offered a test which will indicate the growing baby's origins, and, if she chooses, she could have an abortion. The other couple should not be informed in case they trace and pressurise the pregnant woman. The white woman refuses the test - she is determined to have the baby whatever its origins. Eight months later she gives birth to a healthy black boy that she names Joe. At this point the doctor has a legal duty to inform the black couple that a baby has been born and that they are its genetic parents, but under British law he cannot disclose its name, its gender, or its whereabouts to them. The black couple are incensed and seek legal advice. The case comes to court. A (real) psychiatrist and (real) Guardian prepare reports for the judge. They assess both couples as prospective parents, and declare them both to be fit for the role. (Real) barristers cross-question both couples aggressively in the courtroom. A (real but retired) judge has to decide which couple should have Joe. View more details

Born with Two Mothers

Directed : Ian Duncan Oliver Morse

Written : Zinnie Harris Kate Barker

Stars : Sophie Okonedo Lennie James Adam Kotz Lesley Sharp

7.4

Details

Genres : Drama

Release date : Apr 20, 2005

Countries of origin : United Kingdom

Official sites : Channel 4

Language : English

Production companies : Channel 4 Television Corporation Windfall Films

Summary Two couples go for fertility treatment to a British IVF clinic on the same day. One couple is black, the other white. A lab technician thinks he might have mixed up their embryos, and confesses his uncertainty to the IVF team. The white woman becomes pregnant but the black woman does not. The (real) IVF consultant wants to tell both couples about the suspected mix-up, but is astounded when his (real) hospital lawyer tells him that under British law, he can only inform the pregnant woman - she should be offered a test which will indicate the growing baby's origins, and, if she chooses, she could have an abortion. The other couple should not be informed in case they trace and pressurise the pregnant woman. The white woman refuses the test - she is determined to have the baby whatever its origins. Eight months later she gives birth to a healthy black boy that she names Joe. At this point the doctor has a legal duty to inform the black couple that a baby has been born and that they are its genetic parents, but under British law he cannot disclose its name, its gender, or its whereabouts to them. The black couple are incensed and seek legal advice. The case comes to court. A (real) psychiatrist and (real) Guardian prepare reports for the judge. They assess both couples as prospective parents, and declare them both to be fit for the role. (Real) barristers cross-question both couples aggressively in the courtroom. A (real but retired) judge has to decide which couple should have Joe. View more details

Details

Genres : Drama

Release date : Apr 20, 2005

Countries of origin : United Kingdom

Official sites : Channel 4

Language : English

Production companies : Channel 4 Television Corporation Windfall Films

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