Posthumous Semen Retrieval and Reproduction: An Ethical, Legal, and Religious Analysis

Posthumous reproduction and procurement of semen has been a hot topic in the bioethics community due to its issues concerning possible violation of the interests of the deceased, welfare of the potential child, and possible moral conflicts experienced by physicians. The issue of consent is difficult to assess as the patient more than likely had not even considered the possibility of posthumous reproduction or sperm procurement. Many institutions are beginning to adopt policies regarding post-mortem sperm procurement. There are many issues that need to be taken into account prior to implementing such policies, including ethical debates, legal precedents, legal implications for posthumously conceived children, and even faith-based reasoning of many of those who may be considering retrieval as an option. Many institutions have adopted a restrictive approach to policy that would deny any requests without explicit written consent from the patient. I believe this may present more risks than benefits and therefore do not find it to be an optimal approach. Instead, I defend a more permissive, case-by-case approach to decision making in situations involving requests for post-mortem sperm retrieval.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Robey, Catherine

• Assisted reproduction

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/57125

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/57125