‘Miracle’ baby opens debate over possible use of centuries-old sperm

Technology allows sperm to be frozen longer than legal 50-year limit but poses medical and ethical questionsA change of law has paved the way for more babies to be born from sperm frozen up to 50 years ago, but experts say there is no scientific reason why sperm hundreds of years old cannot be used.This week, aboy was born using sperm frozen in 1996, collected when his father was diagnosed, aged 21, with Hodgkin lymphoma, in case his treatment caused infertility.Described as a “miracle” by his now 47-year-old father, Peter Hickles, the baby is close to holding the record for the longest gap between sperm collection and birth – he was beaten by a baby born in the US using a 27-year-old sample.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Sperm donation Fertility problems Pregnancy Family Health & wellbeing Life and style Parents and parenting Science Society UK news Medical research Source Type: news