Watch CBS News

Judge Declines to Appoint Guardian for Frozen Embryos

PONTIAC (CBS Detroit/AP) — A Pontiac judge has declined to appoint a guardian for frozen embryos while she determines whether she can intervene in a dispute over their control.

Gloria Karungi wants custody over as many as 10 frozen embryos. She believes a baby born from one of them could potentially help a daughter with sickle cell disease. But her former partner no longer wants to participate. Ronaldlee Ejalu says his consent to implant an embryo is necessary, under a contract with a clinic.

Judge Lisa Langton on Tuesday rejected Karungi's request to appoint a guardian over the embryos. She says it's outside the scope of her immediate task: whether the Family Division of Oakland County court has any authority in a contract dispute.

Langton will hear arguments next Wednesday. Ejalu wants the case dismissed.

© 2018 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.