Court: Mass. Man Owes Support Despite Signed Deal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court has ruled that a man whose estranged wife conceived twins through in vitro fertilization must pay child support even though the children are not biologically his and despite a signed agreement between the couple that he is not financially responsible for them.

The court ruled Tuesday that because Chukwudera Okoli gave his consent to Blessing Okoli's in vitro fertilization with donated sperm and eggs, he is the legal father of the children born in 2003. The court said the signed agreement was invalid.

The decision upheld a 2009 Family Court ruling.

Chukwudera Okoli said he signed the agreement under duress because his wife threatened to withdraw her support for his U.S. citizenship application.

Blessing Okoli's lawyer said his client was pleased. The couple was married for nine years.