New Delhi: A woman, whose husband has been in a coma since March last year has approached the Delhi High Court seeking permission to have a child with him—her husband in a vegetative state at an intensive care unit. Doctors have described his condition as extremely critical.
With the man on a life support system, she has urged the Delhi High Court to allow her to use his sperm so that she can become a mother in the future. As per her counsel, Arijit Gaur, the woman has urged the court for permission to preserve the sperm sample till it is still viable. The counsel further argued that the delay may cause the sample to deteriorate, thereby diminishing the woman’s hope of having a child with her husband.
Petitioner performs formation of expert committee
The petitioner has proposed the formation of an expert medical committee to decide whether it is feasible and safe to preserve the sample while the husband continues to remain in a coma. Notably, the sperm is retrieved from the seminiferous tubules. After this, the same is frozen in a laboratory at -196 degrees Celsius. While the sperm can be stored safely for extended periods, IVF requires various attempts in several occasions, making it essential for long-term preservation essential.
Process governed by legal regulations
Even as the sperm can be preserved for a decade or even longer, the process is governed by legal regulations. As per the rules that came into being in 2021, the mutual consent of both the husband and wife is required for sperm use.
The High Court is scheduled to hear the matter on April 9. Ayush Gaur, counsel for the Centre, said that the case under scrutiny. All eyes are now on the High Court to see what verdict it delivers in the matter eventually.