Newark police captain's widow seeks pension benefits for son conceived through in vitro fertilization

[Buttercup]

NEWARK — Francia Prystauk stood before state pension board members earlier this month with a kind of story they had never heard before.
Her husband Gary, a retired Newark police captain, had died in a scuba diving accident in 2006, and she was there to seek pension benefits for their son. A routine enough request, except for one crucial detail — the child was conceived after her husband’s death.
Doctors had removed her husband’s sperm within hours of his death. The following year, Prystauk, became pregnant through in vitro fertilization and gave birth to Jacob Gary Stephen Prystauk nine months later.
He’s now 3 years old and recognized by court order as Gary Prystauk’s son. But is he entitled to pension benefits?

Newark police captain's widow seeks pension benefits for son conceived through in vitro fertilization | NJ.com

[irishmick]

I have a hard time saying that pension benefits should be granted. The child may be biologically his, but he was conceived after his death. Furthermore, according to the article the sperm was harvested AFTER his death. Certainly not grounds to receive benefits in my book and it seems like she's just trying to work the system.

[lewisipso]

it seems like she's just trying to work the system.

It does sound that way doesn't it?

[StoleIt]

Wow that is doosey of an issue.

I'd say it doesn't qualify though.

I think its great she can still have a child with her former-husband after the fact...but benefits...not really.

[bayern]

Hey, its Jersey. Almost as bad as Chicago. She'll get it for the kid.