Ohio Court of Appeals Rules Embryos Are Not People in University Hospitals of Cleveland Case

The 8th District Ohio Court of Appeals has ruled that embryos are not entitled to personhood in a decision on a case brought against University Hospitals in Cleveland.

The case came after a freezer malfunction caused the loss of over 4,000 eggs and embryos in March 2018. UH has stated that the malfunction was not due to a "lack of care, negligence, or breach of duty by Defendants."

Rick and Wendy Penniman of Broadview Heights brought the case to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. According to Judge Larry Jones, they argued "the life of a person begins at the moment of conception, declaring that the legal status of an embryo is that of a person" and requested "costs incurred herein." Judge Stuart Friedman ruled in favor of UH, and the couple appealed.

Last week, the appellate courted ruled 2-1 with Friedman (since retired). Jones wrote the affirming opinion, and Judge Eileen Gallagher concurred.

Read more: https://www.citybeat.com/news/blog/21068077/ohio-court-of-appeals-rules-embryos-are-not-people-in-university-hospitals-of-cleveland-case