IVF babies need fathers says minister

Children born through fertility treatment should have fathers, the Government said today.

Health Minister Melanie Johnson claimed it was "best" for babies born through IVF to have a male and female parent. She spoke out after a 66-year-old woman gave birth after 10 years of fertility treatment.

Romanian Adriana Iliescu, who is single, is thought to be the world's oldest mother.

Ms Johnson's comments will dismay lesbians and single women campaigning for equal access to fertility treatment.

Her view conflicts with Suzi Leather, Chairman of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, who has called for a change in the law which requires fertility clinics to consider the "need of the child for a father" before offering treatment.

There is no upper age limit for fertility treatment in Britain. However, clinics have a legal obligation to consider the welfare of the child.