After the heartbreaking loss of her only son to cancer, a Spanish actress discovered an incredible way to honor his memory – by bringing a baby girl into the world using his sperm.
Ana Obregón’s journey has ignited discussions globally, intertwining sorrow, affection, and cutting-edge reproductive technology in a manner few could have envisioned. At the heart of this narrative is her son, Aless Lequio García, her sole biological child, who passed away from cancer in May 2020.
Stored sperm
In 2018, Ana Obregón’s life was dramatically altered when her 27-year-old son Aless was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare cancer that impacts the bones and surrounding tissues.
“When my son received his cancer diagnosis and was about to start chemotherapy, the doctors advised him to preserve sperm samples, in case the treatment affected his fertility in the future, ensuring he could still have children,” the 70-year-old TV presenter shared with Hola!, noting that the samples were kept in the United States.
‘The day my child went to heaven’
The actress revealed that her son had a strong desire to become a father – even if he wouldn’t be there to raise the child himself.
“Aless was already quite ill and expressed to us that, if anything were to happen to him, he wanted us to understand that he wished to leave behind descendants in this world. Even if he was no longer here.”
Aless passed away in May 2020, a devastating loss that profoundly impacted Obregón and transformed her life forever.
She has since shared how challenging that period was, stating that “the day my child went to heaven,” she made a pivotal choice “to initiate the surrogacy process. That very day.”
“From that moment forward, the only thing that has kept me going each day, each moment, is the mission of bringing Aless’ daughter into existence,” she told Hola!, mentioning that it required multiple attempts for the pregnancy to succeed.
Aless’ daughter
On April 5, 2023, Obregón posted on Instagram, delivering a message that stunned everyone.
“My Aless,” she began in a heartfelt note that featured a picture of the Hola! cover, where she was seen cradling a small baby – Ana Sandra, the daughter of her late son. “I promised I would save you from cancer, and I let you down. I vowed to bring your daughter into this world, and now she is here in my arms.
“Holding her fills me with an indescribable feeling, as if I am embracing you once more. I promise to nurture her with all the boundless love I possess, and I know you will guide me from above.”
She concluded her message with, “You are the love of my life in heaven, and your daughter is the love of my life on earth.”
‘Wanted from earth and from heaven’
The little girl, lovingly named Anita, was conceived using the sperm that Aless had preserved before his cancer treatment, along with an egg donor.
In her conversation with Hola!, Obregón emphasized that her contentious plan was not a mere “whim,” but rather her “son’s wish and last will.”
“If there are differing opinions, I will not tolerate them, nor will I accept any. Only the perspective of a parent who has laid a child to rest matters. Only they can truly understand me,” she expressed, adding that she has “nothing to conceal.”
“It’s a point of pride, it’s a miracle. How could I possibly hide a blessing from God?” Obregón remarked. “She is the daughter of a hero. She is the most sought-after child in the world, as she has been desired from both earth and heaven,” the Who’s the Boss star shared about Ana – who carries the names of “her grandmother, her great-grandmother, and her great-great-grandmother.”
‘I have been reborn’
The proud grandmother has stated that when Anita matures, she will learn about her father – who he was, how valiantly he battled his illness, and how deeply he wished to have a child of his own.
“This girl is not my daughter, but my granddaughter,” she explained, adding that “legally, she is my daughter.” “She is Aless’ daughter, and when she matures, I will tell her that her father was a hero, so she knows who he is and how proud she should be of him,” Obregón shared.
“Once she’s old enough to grasp it, I’ll tell her. I’ll say, ‘Look, your dad wanted you, and unfortunately, he’s not here. He’s in heaven. He wanted you so dearly, and here you are, my love.’
She continued: “I have returned. I have risen again. I have been reborn. I passed away on May 13, 2020, and I was reborn on March 20, 2023, just like that.”
What are your thoughts on Obregón’s choice to have a baby using her son’s sperm? We’d love to hear your opinions in the comments, and please share this story to spark the conversation!
