subject: The Anonymity Law for Sperm and Egg Donors [print this page] The Anonymity Law for Sperm and Egg Donors
There are many people across the world that dream of having a child. However, due to personal circumstances, they may be unable to conceive a child. This could be due to a couple being involved in a same sex relationship, that one individual wishes to conceive and raise a child alone, or that a heterosexual couple is infertile. Whatever the reason, egg and sperm donation is a blessing to those who dream of having a child.
However, egg or sperm donors should be aware of what may be expected of them after the artificial insemination before they make their donations. Many believe that sperm and egg donation is anonymous; however, this is not case. A new law was introduced in 2005 which states that once a child reaches 18 years old they are legally allowed to receive information regarding their biological Father or Mother. Therefore, sperm and egg donors no longer have the legal right to remain anonymous; however, people that donated before 2005 will not be affected.
There are many implications for egg or sperm donors to be aware of before they make their decision. As once a child reaches the age of 18 they may decide to contact the donor in the hope of forming a relationship, and it will be their decision to decide whether they want to have a relationship with their biological child.
Another catastrophic implication could be genetic attraction, as there have been numerous reported cases of this in biological parents meeting their adult children and being sexually attracted to them.
Egg and sperm donation is an amazing gift to give to a person or couple that dream of raising a child. However, it is important the egg or sperm donor is aware of every possible problem or consequence of their donation to make an informed decision.
We will not see the affects of this new law until 2023 when 18 year old children have the right to contact their biological parents.
Alternatively a sperm donor or egg donor may donate in a non-anonymous way, through personal arrangement, with a friend or someone they have met through a sperm donation website. There is then the opportunity for the donor to have some form of ongoing contact with the child, if this is acceptable to the recipient and there has been a legal agreement in place. This can often minimise the issue of identity problems for the child and the implication of genetic attraction. Donors not wishing to have any ongoing contact with a child should be directed to a licensed fertility clinic which will provide thorough health screening and ensure that the egg or sperm donor's name is registered and kept on file for the future.
