vitro fertilization in Panama. Unfortunately, it was not a success. We tried a second time in Colombia, with the same result (…) We had to mortgage the house, take out loans (…).”15 4. Randall Alberto Torres Quirós and Geanina Isela Marín Rankin (P 678/06) 34. According to the petitioners, after a series of tests done on Geanina Isela Marín Rankin, “the doctor said that her fallopian tubes were in very poor condition, which would make it virtually impossible for her to conceive by natural means. The physician’s immediate suggestion was in vitro fertilization abroad.”16 They described how the two costly attempts in other countries had failed.17 35. As to how their lives have been affected, they stated that they have had to deal with the “stereotypes of friends and colleagues (…) society’s discrimination (…). This painful situation has caused significant emotional and psychological depression in both of us, depression that comes on every day as we see our dreams of becoming parents frustrated (…) For us the prohibition (…) has been a cause of great suffering and anguish.”18 5. Carlos Edgardo López Vega and Albania Elizondo Rodríguez (P 1191/06) 36. According to the petitioners, they were told that the only option available to them to have biological children was in vitro fertilization.19 They described how Albania Elizondo “had previously undergone a salpingectomy” and after one attempt at in vitro fertilization outside the country, they attempted a reconstruction of the tubes, but the attempt failed.20 They told how they tried in vitro fertilization twice, once in Panama and again in Colombia, without success.21 37. As to the how the prohibition has affected their lives, they said the following: “Our depression worsens every time we hear any conversation about babies (…) I am becoming more and more estranged from family (…) the sacrifice is enormous, as we even work Sundays to be to get the money together; we never go out anymore (…) our relationship as a couple is up and down, due to the constant stress (…) this law here in Costa Rica is discriminatory and selfish. For us, its victims, it is cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.”22 6. Miguel Acuña Cartín and Patricia Núñez Marín (P 545/07) 38. According to the petitioners, they have been trying to have children since 2003, but could not because of a health problem. They said the following: “We underwent a series of scientific procedures, some more complex than others (…) These procedures have been very frustrating for us, mainly because the 15 Document titled “Identification and written testimony of Luis Miguel Cruz Comparaz and Raquel Sanvicente Rojas” (Annex 1 to the original petition of June 28, 2006). 16 Document titled “Identification and written testimony of Randall Alberto Torres Quirós and Geanina Isela Marín Rankin” (Annex 2 of the original petition of June 28, 2006). 17 Document titled “Identification and written testimony of Randall Alberto Torres Quirós and Geanina Isela Marín Rankin” (Annex 2 of the original petition of June 28, 2006). 18 Document titled “Identification and written testimony of Randall Alberto Torres Quirós and Geanina Isela Marín Rankin” (Annex 2 of the original petition of June 28, 2006). 19 Document titled “Testimony of Carlos Edgardo López Vega and Albania Elizondo Rodríguez” (Annex 1 of the original petition of October 16, 2006). 20 Document titled “Testimony of Carlos Edgardo López Vega and Albania Elizondo Rodríguez” (Annex 1 of the original petition of October 16, 2006). 21 Document titled “Testimony of Carlos Edgardo López Vega and Albania Elizondo Rodríguez” (Annex 1 of the original petition of October 16, 2006). 22 Document titled “Testimony of Carlos Edgardo López Vega and Albania Elizondo Rodríguez” (Annex 1 of the original petition of October 16, 2006). 7