LONDON (FN) — A 34-year-old woman in Britain is demanding financial compensation from her former boyfriend, saying he “stole” her childbearing years during their decade-long relationship.
The woman, who shared her grievance in the Telegraph’s “Moral Money” advice column, said she wants her ex to pay for fertility treatments such as IVF or egg freezing. She wrote that she had made career sacrifices to support his ambitions, based on their understanding that he would be the primary earner if they had children.
Her ex, now 38, told her he was not ready for marriage or parenthood and wanted to continue focusing on his career. The woman said she was “emotionally devastated” and argued that he should help mitigate the impact of his decision.
Columnist Sam Secomb expressed sympathy but noted that courts would not recognize such a claim. “IVF and egg freezing are expensive and it is natural to feel he should contribute,” Secomb wrote. “But if he is unwilling, the legal system will not force him.”
Supporters said her frustration reflects real pressures women face around fertility timelines and the sacrifices often made for partners. Some argued that if promises were made, he should contribute to the costs of egg freezing.
Critics dismissed the demand as unreasonable, saying relationships cannot be treated like contracts with financial penalties. Others noted that both partners share responsibility for family planning decisions.
Observers said the case highlights broader anxieties about balancing careers, relationships and fertility, and reflects how personal grievances are increasingly expressed in economic terms.
