Report: 'Modern Family' Actress Sofia Vergara Sued By Ex-Boyfriend Over Frozen Embryos

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Actress Sofia Vergara is being sued by her ex-boyfriend over frozen embryos the two created while they were dating.

The two female embryos are a result of her eggs and Nick Loeb's sperm and were created through in-vitro fertilization techniques.

According to In Touch magazine, Loeb filed a lawsuit in California to prevent Vergara from destroying the embryos.

Fertility experts across Long Island were weighing in on the dispute Thursday.

Dr. Avner Hershlag, chief of North Shore-LIJ's Center for Human Reproduction, told CBS2's Jennifer McLogan embryos have been viable up to 18 years later.

Hershlag said with medical advances come emotional decisions. His clinic requires counseling and signed documents agreeing about what should be done with embryos in the event of death or divorce.

On college campuses, students call the fight to save frozen embryos complex.

One man said he did not think Loeb had the right to use the embryos.

"No, because it's part of her, too," he said.

"I think he has the right to have his children," one woman countered.

Attorney Elizabeth Falker, who specializes in reproductive law, said: "There isn't really any strong guidelines as to how embryos will be disposed, if and when you separate or die. Courts typically in New York and in many states across the country will enforce a consent form."

In this case, Vergara signed to have the frozen embryos thawed if the couple broke up. Loeb refused to sign, saying he is pro-life.

Vergara is accused in the lawsuit of being "physically and mentally abusive" to Loeb on several occasions.

"She punched him in the face on two occasions, kicked him and threw her phone at his head," Loeb alleges in court papers.