I'm not sure if this cadet was the parent's only son - in which case I might be able to understand how they'd be desperate to keep the family bloodline going. In fact, they would see it as the last hope. That's natural - I get it - it's why people breed to begin with - well, in a majority of cases. Having written that, I want to make clear that it's not something that I would do. My son has made clear that he doesn't want children and so were something to happen to him tomorrow - I wouldn't go against that even though he's the last one that can extend this family line. However, had he not made his wishes clear to me - I might consider this - it's not like his corpse would be capable of caring and my son is an avowed non-theist. Knowing that tells me that he wouldn't care what happened to his leftovers after death. All non-theists should be organ donors - why would any of us care if our leftovers are buried with organs in tact? Let us biodegrade in the backyard garden - it's just meat - it's organic - well, unless the person had radiation therapy - wouldn't want that contaminating the lettuce.

If my son or daughter were to die, I would not harvest sperm or egg from either. However, I see no reason to impose my personal values on that young man’s family. Nor will I judge them for their decision. They know their family and culture far better than I. And, they know their son and his values better than I. Add to that the fact that he is an organ donor and you get the sense that he is not against the sharing of his organs and other body parts. Presumably, his sperm would fall into that.

Also, this is not the first situation in which men and women who have died have had their sperm or eggs harvested for use in the future.

My younger son is at west point. I wouldn't even consider doing that. This strikes me as super creepy.

Sounds like a great plot starter for a horror movie. Demon Seed: My Mother Made Me Do It.

I find it interesting that so many comments are so vehemently opposed to this action by the guys parents. I mean if one does not have any belief in an afterlife the guy is now worm food. So why would he care? I noticed in the article that he was a organ donor how is donating sperm to his parents all that different in relation to his body autonomy? This quote “deeply personal cultural reasons as well.” to me says something too. I think the judge was correct in allowing this. If someone, a another family member or perhaps someone the guy was in a dedicated relationship with, came forward maybe there would be a opposing voice. But considering the cultural importance of family for these people I see nothing wrong with this. Take for example a woman who gets pregnant with a casual partner and then decides to keep the baby? While I think the man could have a case for parental rights he should certainly not have the right to force the woman to abort the baby even though arguably the sperm being his property some might say (NOT ME) gives him cause. I would be curious how they plan on carrying on the family name as it were. Perhaps a surrogate they would raise?

If he is an organ donor and no Living Will, this could be acceptable.

I'm a parent, I can't cast judgement on them.

I don't know what I'd do in this situation. Seems odd, but we don't know their reasoning. I hope they mean well.

That's just so messed up.
It shouldn't be allowed.