Ethical dilemmas in the use of donor gametes

Abstract

Current ethical debate is about the processes of reproductive medicine; the moral status of the embryo. Within a societal acceptance of the expansion of reproductive medicine worldwide, donated gametes are increasingly being used. Medical practice favours anonymity of donors and confidentiality for participants. These apparently legitimate concerns are to protect the adults involved. They do not address the implications for any children thus created. This paper aims to shift the debate and to address specifically the rights and needs of the children following gamete donations. How far do they need to know about their birth origins? How do they fare as future adults with no knowledge of 50% of their genetic family histories? Data is now available about how children themselves view this and, in accord with international declarations about the rights of the child, a radical new approach is urgently needed both in reproductive medicine and legal provisions.