Science makes fallen soldier a father

I was trolling throught the archives of USA Today, trying to find and interesting story to pass along. And boy, did I find one. Very inspiring, and possibly controversial. My favorite type of reading. And it is all true. Even better.

Kathleen Carol-Smith and her husband had been trying to conceive their first child when he was sent to Iraq. Upon her urging, her husband used a sperm bank to deposit his sperm so she could continue to try to conceive while he was away. Little did they know that her husband, Brian wouldn't return.

Due to a sniper, Brian Drew Smith was killed in Iraq and wasn't able to see his wish of a child come true. But through his widow, and his sperm at the sperm bank, his son, Benton is alive and well.

But not without controversy. After Kathleen was told the news of her husband's death, she was despondent for months. And then she realized that although her husband had died, their dream didn't have to. His parents were not comfortable with her decision in the beginning. The wondered what their son would think, having a son around, without a father to raise. But as time went on, and the child was born all parties are now on board. Also, legislation is not sure about the benefits that are due to Benton, since he was conceived after his father's death. And it will remain usure untile Kathleen decides to file for them or not. Only the future will tell what will happen there.

Sperm bank usage isn't utilized exclusively in the case of a father being killed in combat. Other reasons include, trying to conceive while the husband is away and also for the insurance that while serving the male may be injured or exposed to fertility killing chemicals.