A virgin birth might sound nothing short of a miracle, but it has become a reality for dozens of women who have never had sexual relationships, it has been reported.
In the last five years, there have been at least 25 hetrosexual women who have had babies despite being virgins, after they underwent IVF treatment in the UK, reveals The Mail on Sunday.
Four British firms said they have assisted in cases where, often, the women are seeking donor-assisted treatment because they are ready to have a child and don't want to wait for the right partner to come along.
Opinion is divided, however, with religious groups claiming it undermines the importance of bringing up children in stable marriages, while a leading psychotherapist warned that having a mother who has never been in a relationship could harm a child’s development.
Advances in fertility treatment mean a person doesn't need to be sexually active in order to become a parent, and surely providing a loving and stable environment is what really counts when it comes to active parenting. What do you think?
