A prisoner in U.K. has been allowed to have artificial insemination with his partner by virtue of the right to family life clause of the Human Rights Act.

While there is a consensus about the importance of human rights, the debate concerning “right to family life” under the Article 8 of the Act is stirring British society. Some say that the article is misused as a way to escape punishment.

Just last month, Wayne Bishop who was convicted of burglary had his 8 month jail sentence suspended under the same article, so that he could take care of his five children.

Conservative MP Douglas Carswell told Daily Mail “What’s the point of having a criminal justice system that locks people up if they end up with the same rights as others? It’s another step towards an insane world where criminals have more rights than others.”

Right-leaning politicians argue that the decision could damage public trust in the judicial system.

Last year, there was another case in Britain where a prisoner was allowed to have fertility treatment. Today, about 5 requests are being reviewed by the U.K. justice secretary, according to the report.

By Kang Yoon-seung
(koreacolin@gmail.com)
Intern reporter