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Case Report

Postmortem Sperm Retrieval: The Canadian Perspective

BRYCE WEBER^*,

KEITH JARVI

From the Divisions of Urology, ^* Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Murray Koffler Urologic Wellness Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Correspondence to: Dr Keith Jarvi, Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Centre, 60 Murray Street, 6th Floor, Box 19, Toronto, ON M5T 3L9, Canada (e-mail: KJarvi{at}mtsinai.on.co).

Abstract

Postmortem sperm retrieval has been used worldwide. Following retrieval, sperm can then be used (usually by the surviving partner) to produce a child related to the now-deceased male. This paper describes a request for postmortem sperm retrieval made by the family of a man who had suffered trauma leading to his death. The man had not given written consent for the retrieval and use of his sperm before his accidental death. The case illustrates some of the complex ethical and legal issues occurring in Canada and describes the new Canadian regulations, which prohibit postmortem sperm retrieval unless explicit written consent has been provided by the deceased.