Israeli Parents Seek Sperm Retrieval from Fallen Soldiers Amid Gaza Conflict

Jerusalem: As Israel’s conflict in Gaza continues, a rising number of Israeli parents are requesting sperm extraction from their deceased sons, reports the BBC. Since Hamas’ offensive on October 7 and the subsequent Israeli retaliation, over 400 Israelis have died. The Israeli health ministry reports that sperm has been collected from 170 men—both civilians and soldiers—marking a 15-fold increase compared to previous years.

The procedure involves making a small incision in the testicle to retrieve tissue containing live sperm cells, which are then frozen. This is most effective within 24 hours post-mortem but can be done up to 72 hours after death.

To aid grieving families, some procedural rules have been relaxed. In October, the health ministry eliminated the need for a court order to extract sperm. However, families must still prove in court that the deceased wished to have children, a process that can take years and adds to their grief.

The first case of this nature in Israel occurred in 2002, when a soldier’s parents used his sperm to conceive their granddaughter, now 10 years old. Experts acknowledge the emotional significance for bereaved families but note the challenges for single men, whose consent must be proven in court, allowing sperm freezing but not its use for fertilization.

Israeli lawmakers are currently drafting legislation to clarify and streamline the process amid the high casualties in Gaza.