Embryo Legally Human

Chicago, IL (LifeNews.com) -- A county judge in Chicago has ruled that the parents of a frozen embryo which was accidentally destroyed at a fertility clinic have the right to file a wrongful death suit.

Legal experts say the case, which is drawing nationwide attention, could affect the debate over embryonic stem cell research, which involves the killing of human embryos to obtain their stem cells.

Cook County Judge Jeffrey Lawrence said in his decision that "a pre-embryo is a 'human being' ... whether or not it is implanted in its mother's womb."