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Man serving 30 years wants to father a baby from prison

Prisoner Scott Hurford has written to Justice Secretary Jack Straw asking for permission to artificially inseminate his girlfriend

Posted: 4 March 2010
by Kyrsty Hazell
Scott Hurford wants to become a dad - despite being locked up in prison
All prisoners can apply for artificial insemination facilities.

Locked up for 30 years after being caught drug smuggling in Thailand, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Scott Hurford, 34, isn’t daddy material. However prisoner Scott is feeling broody and is trying to become a father – from prison.

Scott, who has said that he wants to become a dad “as soon as possible”, has been granted the right to apply for an artificial insemination programme. If he succeeds, he’ll be able to become a father from inside prison by using an IVF technique to impregnate his girlfriend.

In a letter to prison authorities and Justice Secretary Jack Straw, he asked for the chance to become a dad despite still having 25 years left to serve of his sentence. “My partner has stood by me and we would like to start a family, however time isn’t exactly on our side with me being 34 and my partner being 37,” he stated in his letter. “I need some advice on the rules of IVF treatment whilst in prison. Is this possible?” he asked.

It’s believed that the letter of permission is in the hands of Jack Straw and he will have to see if he merits the case. While this siutation may sound unusual, it’s been revealed that all prisoners are free to apply for artificial insemination facilities. All cases are reviewed on the factors such as of the length of time the couple have been together and the ages of the wannabe parents.

Do you think it’s right for prisoners to be able to become parents? Or should they be denied the right as they are in prison as a punishment? Let us know below…

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prisoner, jail, Jack Straw, artificial insemination, fertility, pregnancy
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Loopy & Isaac (born Fri 13 Feb 09)
Hard to say.  The partner did not commit the crime so she should not be punished.  However, the baby will be born into what is effectively a one-parent family.  Her circumstances should be assessed to ensure the child will be brought up in a secure and loving environment.  It's a difficult decision to make...

Posted: 04/03/2010 at 18:34


vicky and freya 7/03/2009
if its a case of the mother will be esentially on her own will it be another sad case of the state supporting the upbringing of the child and a mum struggling to make ends meet, their is more to consider than the fact he is in prison. Hard one to make with human rights laws but Id lean towards it isn't something that should be allowed, it will open a flood gate for men in jail to want to become fathers, Im sorry they should have thought about that while commiting the crime, its punishment for a reason.

Posted: 04/03/2010 at 22:32


SJ, Libby and Torben

I really struggled with this one, but I think No he shouldnt be allowed. His partner didn't commit the crime, but she chose to stay with him, so in turn accepted a life where he would be in prison for 30 yrs, so no babies etc.

The man has no means of supporting his partner or the baby both financially and emotionally.

Do we really want to live in a world where killers/rapists/paedophiles etc can have children willy nilly behind bars? Its just making more children who won't have fathers around. It's bad enough with one night stands.


Posted: 04/03/2010 at 22:56


Rhona

Another shocking example of the state of 'Great' Britain today.

This man is in prison because he is unable to provide a stable, law abiding lifestyle for himself. How can he possibly provide the 'right' upbringing for a future life??

His rights are forfeited. You choose the path you go down. 

There are plenty of healthy, happy, law abiding, good citizens who would love to have children but simply can't. Yet oppotunities may be offered to criminals ... whatever next.


Posted: 10/03/2010 at 14:02


Bobby Martinez
I believe that any man in prison should be able to do the artificail insemination. Only cause his in jail doesnt mean anything, his obviously paying the prices of the crime that he did. They shouldnt take away the right for him and his partner to have a baby. She will struggle but she can get help by family. My partner is in jail and i was thinking of doing this, i cant get pregnant the nature way then the other choice is to do the artifical inseminatin. I believe that is a joy for an inmate to have his girlfriend pregnant but its also sad cause they wont be around but they shouldnt get that right to not be able to do that. They already took his freedom away they should atleast let him make a family and when he gets out he has a reason to work really hard to support his family.

Posted: 22/02/2011 at 18:42

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