Connect with us

Health

Couple Wins Legal Battle to Use Late Son’s Sperm for Surrogacy

Couple Wins Legal Battle to Use Late Son’s Sperm for Surrogacy

The Delhi High Court has given permission to an Indian couple to utilize the frozen sperm of their deceased son, Preet Inder Singh, for surrogacy.

Surrogacy is an agreement where a woman consents to bear and give birth to a child on behalf of another person or couple, who will assume parenthood once the child is born.

It is commonly employed as an option for those dealing with infertility, medical issues, or other challenges preventing them from conceiving and sustaining a pregnancy.

According to BBC on Wednesday, this historic decision came after a four-year legal battle, following a hospital’s refusal to release the sperm.

The couple expressed their joy, stating, “We were very unlucky, we lost our son. But the court has given us a very precious gift. We would now be able to get our son back,” Preet’s mother, Harbir Kaur, told the BBC.

Harbir Kaur and her husband, Gurvinder Singh, took legal action after Delhi’s Ganga Ram Hospital declined to release sperm stored in its fertility lab in December 2020.

Their 30-year-old son, Preet Inder Singh, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in June 2020 and was admitted for treatment.

“Before he began chemotherapy, the hospital advised him to store his semen as the treatment could adversely affect the quality of his sperm,” Gurvinder Singh explained. Preet Inder, who was unmarried, agreed, and his sperm sample was frozen on June 27, 2020.

He died in early September that same year.

Several months later, when the mourning parents requested access to the sperm, the hospital refused, leading the couple to approach the Delhi High Court.

In their request, the couple, now in their 60s, promised the court that they would care for any child born from their son’s sperm, and if they were no longer alive, their two daughters had agreed to take responsibility for the child.

Justice Prathiba Singh ruled that Indian law does not forbid posthumous reproduction if the sperm donor has given consent.

She highlighted that, since Preet Inder had no spouse or children, his parents were entitled to his sperm according to the Hindu Succession Act, as they were his legal heirs.

The couple’s motivation to use the sperm stemmed from their desire to preserve their son’s legacy.

Quoting Indian Express on Thursday, Hindustan Times reported that the judge, referencing the Hindu Succession Act, ruled that parents are entitled to their deceased son’s sperm as they are “Class-1 legal heirs.”

“He loved his sisters and was much loved by his friends. He is the screensaver on my phone. I start my day by looking at his face every morning,” Ms Kaur shared while declining to release a photo due to privacy concerns.

The family intends to have the surrogacy stay within their relatives, as a family member has volunteered to be the surrogate. In India, commercial surrogacy is prohibited by law.

Their lawyer, Suruchii Aggarwal, noted that although the case is uncommon, it is not entirely unprecedented.

Meanwhile, TodaysFamilyLawyer on Thursday reported that last week, the judge ruled in favour of the couple, stating that “Indian law does not prohibit posthumous reproduction if the deceased has given consent.”

She acknowledged that “as Preet was unmarried and had no children, his parents became his legal heirs under the Hindu Succession Act and were entitled to access the sperm sample.”

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Health

8 Drinks That Can Help Support Weight Loss

While a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for weight loss, incorporating certain drinks into your routine can also support your goals. Here are eight drinks that can help aid in weight loss.

1. Water

  • Calorie-free and hydrates the body
  • Boosts metabolism and energy
  • Helps control hunger and cravings

2. Green Tea

  • High in antioxidants and catechins
  • Enhances metabolism and fat burning
  • Supports healthy digestion

3. Lemon Water

  • Stimulates digestion and metabolism
  • Alkalizes the body, reducing inflammation
  • Supports healthy hydration

4. Cucumber Juice

  • Low in calories, high in water content
  • Supports hydration and digestion
  • Rich in antioxidants

5. Cranberry Juice

  • Low in sugar, high in fiber
  • Supports healthy digestion and gut bacteria
  • May reduce bloating

6. Ginger Tea

  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Aids digestion and metabolism
  • Suppresses appetite

7. Protein Shakes

  • Supports muscle growth and repair
  • Helps keep you full and satisfied
  • Convenient and portable

8. Vegetable Juice

  • Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
  • Supports healthy digestion and energy
  • Low in calories

Tips and Precautions

  1. Choose unsweetened and low-calorie options.
  2. Drink in moderation (excessive consumption can hinder weight loss).
  3. Combine with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
  4. Consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes.

Continue Reading

Health

The Importance of Hand Washing: Why Clean Hands Save Lives

Hand washing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of illnesses and infections. Yet, many people overlook this crucial habit, putting themselves and others at risk. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of hand washing, its benefits, and provide tips on proper hand washing techniques.

Why Hand Washing is Important

  1. Prevents the Spread of Infections: Hand washing removes germs, viruses, and bacteria that cause illnesses like the flu, diarrhea, and respiratory infections.
  2. Saves Lives: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hand washing can reduce diarrheal diseases by 47% and respiratory infections by 16%.
  3. Protects Vulnerable Populations: Hand washing is especially crucial for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
  4. Reduces Antibiotic Resistance: By preventing infections, hand washing helps reduce the need for antibiotics, slowing antibiotic resistance.

When to Wash Your Hands

  1. After Using the Bathroom
  2. Before Eating
  3. After Coughing, Sneezing, or Blowing Your Nose
  4. After Touching Animals or Their Waste
  5. After Being in Contact with Someone Who’s Sick
  6. After Handling Garbage or Chemicals
  7. Before and After Preparing Food

Proper Hand Washing Technique

  1. Wet Hands with Warm Water
  2. Apply Soap
  3. Rub Hands Together for 20 Seconds
  4. Scrub All Surfaces (Palms, Backs, Fingers, Wrists)
  5. Rinse Thoroughly
  6. Dry Hands Completely

Additional Tips

  1. Use Soap and Water: Hand sanitizers are effective, but soap and water are best.
  2. Wash Hands Frequently: Aim for 8-10 times per day.
  3. Teach Children: Instill good hand washing habits early.
  4. Lead by Example: Demonstrate hand washing importance to others.

Hand washing is a simple yet powerful tool in preventing illnesses and saving lives. By incorporating hand washing into your daily routine, you’ll protect yourself, your loved ones, and contribute to a healthier community.

Continue Reading

Health

The Human Brain: Unlocking the Secrets of the Most Complex Organ

The human brain is a marvel of complexity and sophistication, comprising billions of neurons and trillions of connections. It’s the control center of our body, enabling us to think, learn, move, and experience emotions. In this article, we’ll delve into the brain’s structure, function, and fascinating processes.

Brain Structure

The brain consists of three main parts:

  1. Cerebrum: Divided into two hemispheres (left and right), it processes sensory information, controls movement, and manages higher-level thinking.
  2. Cerebellum: Coordinates muscle movements, balance, and posture.
  3. Brainstem: Connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord, regulating basic functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Brain Function

The brain’s primary functions include:

  1. Sensory Processing: Interpreting sensory information from our environment.
  2. Motor Control: Coordinating movement and action.
  3. Cognition: Processing thoughts, emotions, and memories.
  4. Emotion Regulation: Managing emotional responses.

Neurotransmitters and Synapses

Neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) transmit signals between neurons through synapses (small gaps). Key neurotransmitters include:

  1. Dopamine: Regulates pleasure, reward, and motivation.
  2. Serotonin: Influences mood, appetite, and sleep.
  3. Acetylcholine: Involved in memory formation and muscle contraction.

Brain Regions and Their Functions

  1. Frontal Lobe: Decision-making, problem-solving, and motor control.
  2. Parietal Lobe: Processes sensory information related to touch and spatial awareness.
  3. Temporal Lobe: Plays a key role in memory, language, and auditory processing.
  4. Occipital Lobe: Primarily responsible for processing visual information.

Fascinating Brain Facts

  1. Brain Plasticity: The brain adapts and changes throughout life.
  2. Neurogenesis: New neurons are born in certain brain regions.
  3. Brain Wave Patterns: Different states (alpha, beta, theta, delta) reflect varying levels of consciousness.

The human brain is an intricate, awe-inspiring organ. Understanding its structure, function, and processes can provide valuable insights into our behavior, emotions, and cognitive abilities. Continued research and exploration will unravel more secrets of the brain, shedding light on the mysteries of human consciousness.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending