A WOMAN from Trowbridge this week launched a ground-breaking court battle that will decide whether or not she will ever have a child of her own.

Natallie Evans, 30, along with another woman, has lodged papers with the High Court, the first step to challenging a law that says both parties must give consent for the use of frozen embryos.

Her solicitor, Muiris Lyons of Withy King, said: "It is not just about them. The result will affect everyone undertaking IVF treatment.

"The law as it stands gives their respective former partners a complete veto. They say that is unfair and discriminatory."

Miss Evans is fighting to be allowed to keep six frozen embryos, currently being stored at a Bath clinic.

The embryos were created shortly before her ovaries were removed in a life-saving cancer operation.

Now her ex-fianc, Howard Johnston, 25, has withdrawn permission for them to be used and the failure of negotiations means the battle will be fought in the High Court.

Mr Lyons said: "For Natallie it is the only chance she has got to have a natural child. That is why this is so important for her."

He said they will maintain that the law discriminates against Miss Evans because she is infertile and having to undergo IVF treatment.

He will use the analogy that if she had become pregnant naturally then her partner would have no say over the embryo in her body.

This case will be the first of its kind and is expected to come before the High Court family division on September 19.