An Ethics Study Says It Should Be OK For Dead Men To Donate Sperm

The concept of post-mortem sperm retrieval is a controversial one. It is, however, an act that's becoming more and more common these days. And, we should be getting used to it, according to a study by medical ethicists.

Nathan Hodson and Joshua Parker's published research on the ethical case for non-directed post-mortem sperm donation compares retrieving dead men's sperm to donating organs.

“If it is morally acceptable that individuals can donate their tissues to relieve the suffering of others in ‘life-enhancing transplants’ for diseases,” wrote the study authors, “we see no reason this cannot be extended to other forms of suffering like infertility, which may or may not also be considered a disease.”

Harvesting sperm after death has been perfected for several years, but it's only now that it's become a hot topic.

In May of last year, parents of a deceased U.S. military academy cadet petitioned the court about the possibility of retrieving their son's sperm and having grandchildren. They were ultimately allowed to do what they decided with their son's sperm.