Discovery channel last night screened a documentary on the emerging practice of "harvesting" sperm from recently deceased males for the purpose of allowing their partner, or in one case his mother via a surrogate and egg donor, to produce his offspring. In all cases the deaths were unexpected and the men had not previously requested this procedure.
Is this the ultimate violation of a man's rights.
Clearly there have been women who have deliberately fallen pregnant against their partners wishes, which is a serious violation in itself. These cases take this violation to a new level. Not only is a child produced without consent of the father but it is done in circumstances where the child is guaranteed not to know or benefit from it's biological father in it's life.
The underlying selfishness of the actions on behalf of these women is staggering in it's magnitude and demonstrates a total lack of understanding of the important role a father should play in the development of his children.
Let us just hope that the use of reproductive science in this macarbe manner does not gain mainstream credibility.
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or read the most recent entries here.Is this ever acceptable? What about in cases where the couple were trying to have children? What about in cases where embryos exist as a part of IVF procedures which have to that stage been unsuccessful?
Is it unreasonable in these circumstances for a woman to seek the opportunity to become pregnant to her husband?
Posted by: dan at May 26, 2003 03:16 PMThe distinct difference was that the men in the story were not trying to have children prior to being killed. Whilst the argument that the children would be without a father still stands, we know that they were choosing to have children by participating in the IVF.
Interestingly, in Victoria, this is illegal. Once a man dies any unimplanted embryos and sperm are destroyed.
Posted by: chris at May 26, 2003 03:31 PMAs a woman, it is good to read these thoughts from a man. For far too long, the woman's viewpoint on beinging children into the world has been the dominant discourse. It is time for men to stand and have their voice heard of their rights in being a father.
Speak out more
PS - I have to scroll sideways on my small screen to read your blog - could you make it so it fits into 600x800 resolution?
Posted by: Janet at May 26, 2003 05:12 PMErr, Sorry about the scrolling business. I have it fixed shortly, I am still coming to grips for the formatting.
Posted by: chris at May 26, 2003 05:32 PMPersonally, I believe it's the business of the woman who wishes to become pregnant by her dead husbands sperm. I don't believe society has any place in the 'yah' or the 'nay' of the issue. If the woman concerned has the wherewithall to adequately see to the childs welfare, and her own, what business is it of society how she becomes pregnant?
Posted by: Niall at May 26, 2003 09:37 PM
Stumble It!