September 11, 2009 - UC Irvine Settles Lawsuits Over Stolen Eggs, Embryos

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The University of California, Irvine has settled dozens of lawsuits over eggs or embryos stolen by two doctors more than a decade ago, in an effort to end the scandal over its fertility center.

The UC system has paid more than $24 million for 137 separate incidents in which eggs or embryos disappeared or were given to other women without consent in the late 80s, the Los Angeles Times reported on its Web site Thursday.

Two doctors at the school's Center for Reproductive Health were indicted by a federal grand jury but fled the country to avoid prosecution.

UC Irvine says it is "honoring its commitment to treat each claim fairly and on its merits." Officials declined to comment further until the three remaining claims are resolved.