A judge has ruled a UK woman with learning difficulties should never be told about the contraceptive device she was secretly fitted with.
Lord Justice Baker said the woman's autonomy and human rights had been infringed when the device was fitted six years ago, but it should stay in secret, Metro reports.
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Social workers raised concerns the woman could be a target for sexual exploitation in 2012, and a Court of Protection judge approved covert fitting of the device.
Lord Justice Baker reviewed the evidence from the case and decided against telling the woman about the procedure, as it could harm the woman's relationship with those near her.
"I recognise that the fact that [she] has been fitted with [the device] without her knowledge is a very significant interference with her personal autonomy and her human rights," he said, Metro reports.
"Given that it is plainly in her best interests for the [device] to remain fitted, however, I reach the clear conclusion that she should not be told about the presence of [it] at this stage.
"I accept the argument that to do so would cause very considerable harm to her relationships with professionals and her family on whom she is utterly dependent."
He added when the device needs to be renewed or replaced, every effort should be made to include the woman in the decision-making process.
Newshub.
