Ukrainian soldiers freeze sperm In hope for future families

Ukrainian Soldiers Embrace Sperm Freezing Amid Ongoing Conflict

As the conflict with Russian forces intensifies, many Ukrainian soldiers are contemplating their futures and family aspirations through a new approach: freezing their sperm. Oleksandr, a 36-year-old soldier currently on the front lines, articulates a poignant dream of fatherhood, envisioning a life with a daughter and son alongside his wife, Kateryna, who has relocated to the Czech Republic as a refugee.

With the reality of war casting a long shadow over their hopes, Oleksandr is preparing for the uncertainties of life on the battlefield. He describes his decision to freeze his sperm as a prudent measure a safeguard against the daily risks he encounters in combat, as well as a hedge against potential combat-induced fertility challenges. “I can’t just do what I want,” he reflects. Despite the separation from his wife, Oleksandr remains determined that he wants to be active in the upbringing of their future children.

Thanks to recent legislative changes, Ukrainian soldiers can now freeze their sperm at no cost, a service many hospitals and clinics are eager to provide. Oleksandr views this decision as an “insurance policy,” allowing Kateryna the option to conceive with his sperm should anything happen to him. While he grapples with the thought of his wife having children without his presence, he remains focused on hope, asserting, “Everything will go well.”

The situation in Ukraine, where a demographic crisis existed prior to the war, has only been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. The United Nations reported in October 2022 that Ukraine’s population had plummeted by nearly 19%, with a birth rate that has dipped to below one child per woman—one of the lowest globally. In light of this demographic crisis, the Ukrainian government is optimistic that the end of the war could spark a “baby boom.”

This rise in sperm and egg freezing isn’t limited to military personnel; civilians are also recognizing the need to preserve their reproductive options under such uncertain circumstances. The Feskov clinic in Kharkiv has reported a notable increase in individuals seeking to freeze their sperm and eggs, a procedure that was uncommon before the war. Owner Vladyslav Feskov noted that demand for the service tends to increase in response to intensified wartime developments.

Persisting through relentless bombardment, the clinic has adapted by establishing an underground facility where genetic materials are stored in secure, undisclosed locations to mitigate damage from potential drone strikes.

Among those taking proactive measures is Daria Chernyshova, a 23-year-old student who recently opted to freeze her eggs. Chernyshova expressed the overwhelming fear associated with motherhood during wartime and delayed her decision in hopes that the situation would improve. Ultimately, she recognized the necessity of the procedure given the unpredictability of the ongoing conflict.

Currently living in Kharkiv, she previously fled her hometown of Lyman as Russian troops advanced. The haunting memories of mothers evacuating with young children remain vivid for her. Balancing her desire for family and career, Chernyshova is concerned about the increasingly limited dating opportunities in her hometown, largely due to the loss of life and the military draft that has left many young men in uniform. “Where can we go to meet or do we just talk on Skype?” she lamented, suggesting she might ultimately consider moving abroad to seek a potential partner.

As Ukrainian society navigates the complexities and heartaches of war, the decisions surrounding family planning whether through sperm freezing or egg preservation highlight both the resilience and vulnerability of those caught in the crossfire.

AFP