Paula Duvall and her daughter, Erin Culver, have chosen to discontinue their legal action against the estate of Dr. Bradley D. Adams, despite alleging that Adams used his own sperm to artificially inseminate Duvall in 1973. The lawsuit, initially filed against Adams and Christie Clinic, marks a pivotal moment under Illinois’ new fertility-fraud law.
Champaign County Judge Benjamin Dyer recently granted Christie Clinic’s motion to dismiss from the case, citing provisions of the Illinois Fertility Fraud Act that preclude health care facilities from being defendants. The judge also ruled that Duvall and Culver had not presented sufficient evidence of “fraudulent concealment” by Christie Clinic that would extend the statute of limitations on their claims.
Reflecting on their decision, Paula Duvall expressed disappointment with the outcome and criticized Christie Clinic for not taking responsibility for Dr. Adams’ alleged misconduct. “It was a unanimous decision among our attorneys, Erin, and myself to halt our case,” Duvall stated in an interview with The News-Gazette.
The legal saga, complicated by Adams’ death in 1989, initially targeted his wife, Alice P. Adams, as the administrator of his estate. After encountering difficulties in serving her, attorneys eventually reached Kimberly L. Collins, Adams’ daughter, who clarified she lacked power of attorney and did not accept service on behalf of her deceased mother.
Despite hopes of familial connection, Duvall expressed regret that their efforts to engage with Adams’ other potential offspring were unsuccessful. “Erin would have welcomed the opportunity to connect with her half-siblings,” Duvall lamented, “but unfortunately, it appears they are not interested.”
The decision to cease legal proceedings marks a closure to a case that has underscored the complexities and emotional toll of cases involving fertility fraud allegations, especially under evolving legal frameworks.
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