Court affirms dad’s rights in turkey baster conception

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Virginia Court of Appeals has affirmed the parental rights of a man whose son was conceived by using a turkey baster.

A three-judge panel unanimously upheld Roanoke Circuit Judge Charles N. Dorsey’s decision granting joint custody and visitation rights to Robert Preston Boardwine.

According to the court, Joyce Rosemary Bruce wanted to have a child she could raise on her own. Boardwine supplied the sperm in a plastic container. Bruce transferred it to a turkey baster, which she used to inseminate herself.

Bruce argued that Boardwine had no parental rights under the state’s assisted conception law. But the appeals court said Tuesday that the law applies only to pregnancies resulting from the use of medical technology, and the use of a common kitchen implement at home doesn’t qualify.

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