Sperm donors are no longer assured anonymity
By babykay
@babykay (2131)
Ireland
May 19, 2007 6:46pm CST
Since 01 April 2005, donors registering to give sperm are no longer entitled to anonymity.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6618977.stm
Some sources claim this has led to a drop in donors, other figures dispute this.
Do you think sperm donors should or should not be entitled to anonymity? On the one hand I think every child should have a right to know the identity of their parents where possible, but on the other hand, shouldn't a donor be entitled to anonymity? I can't decide - what do you think?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@inked4life (4224)
• United States
19 May 07
This is exactly why I donate (to a charity of my choosing) in the privacy of my own home...LOL. Seriously, I believe it should be kept anonymous unless the donor chooses to sign some sort of waiver that his name could be released in the future. I think this legislation will keep a lot of potential donors away.
2 people like this
@crazynurse (7482)
• United States
20 May 07
There are so many issues on both sides of this debate! On the one hand a child should have access to their donor's medical history so that they would know what they are genetically predisposed to. Also, should they ever need organ donations or anything it would be great to know their biological parents. On the flip side, a male who is good enough to donate his sperm should have the freedom to have anonymity if they so desire. I'm sure that lack of anonymity will drive down donations, as many men do not want their name plastered to their donations.
1 person likes this
@maildumpster (3815)
• United States
19 May 07
Well I am torn. I think they should remain anonymous. The only thing I think should be allowed is access to the medical history. The only reason I say this is so that children created by donated sperm will know if they are predisposed to anything.
1 person likes this
@babykay (2131)
• Ireland
20 May 07
yeah I think you are right, but I am torn between this and a person's right to know who their biological parents are. Also, what if they need a kidney transplant later in life? Wouldn't it be useful for them to know their blood relatives? Just playing devils advocate...
1 person likes this
@mememama (3076)
• United States
20 May 07
I think the children should have access to their medical past, like if there's a history of disease in that family that's genetic. Same feeling towards adoption, but I think they should be able to remain anonymous! It's a sperm donation, it's not a way to have a relationship with future children!
