A couple's desire to use their deceased son's sperm to produce a grandchild was shot down by a NY state appeals court. The New York Law Journal reports, "When Mark Speranza deposited sperm samples at Repro Lab in 1997, he gave no reason for his donation, but signed an agreement directing the tissue bank to destroy the semen in the event of his death. Six months later, he died of cancer." His parents "learned about the sperm deposit while sorting through their son's personal belongings" and paid $400/year for the storage of the sperm and lined up a surrogate mother. But when Repro refused to turn over the sperm, the parents sued. The judges ruled that giving the sperm to Speranza's parents would violate a law requiring sperm donors to be screened, "even though we recognize the joy that ignoring the regulations could bring to plaintiffs." The Speranza's lawyer is considering their options, pointing out, "There has been no case like this ever." Related: In vitro babies created after their father's death were ruled heirs to their grandfather's estate.
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2025. Donate today