Frozen sperm vs benefits at Mich Sup Ct

Associated Press

By ED WHITE Associated Press

Updated: Nov 13, 2012 1:07 PM

DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court is hearing arguments this week in an unusual case that involves a deceased man from the Kalamazoo area and twin children conceived after his death.

The Social Security Administration is refusing to grant survivor benefits to the twins, who were born after in-vitro fertilization. The government says they shouldn't be recognized as heirs under Michigan law because they weren't alive when Jeff Mattison died.

The Portage man froze his sperm while battling health problems that led to his death in 2001. His wife, Pam Mattison, subsequently went through artificial insemination, and the twins were born.

A federal judge says he can't solve the Social Security dispute until the state Supreme Court decides if the kids are considered heirs under Michigan law. Arguments are scheduled for Thursday.

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