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Live birth after sperm retrieval from a moribund man
A M Belker1, M L Swanson, C L Cook
1Jewish Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky, USA. 102704.2733@compuserve.com
Fertility and Sterility
|October 10, 2001
Summary
This case report details the first live birth using sperm from a moribund man. Assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), enabled this outcome.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Genetics
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- Sperm retrieval from moribund individuals presents unique ethical and technical challenges.
- Advances in assisted reproductive technologies offer potential solutions for posthumous conception.
Observation:
- A case report detailing sperm retrieval from a decorticate 27-year-old man maintained on life support.
- Epididymal sperm were successfully retrieved and cryopreserved.
- Pastoral psychological counseling was provided to the involved parties.
Findings:
- In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) resulted in a viable pregnancy.
- A healthy child was born following the transfer of a single blastocyst.
Implications:
- This case establishes a precedent for live birth utilizing sperm from a moribund donor.
- Advances in sperm retrieval and IVF-ET/ICSI techniques expand reproductive possibilities in critical care scenarios.
- Further discussion on the ethical considerations surrounding sperm retrieval from incapacitated or deceased individuals is warranted.
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