Anonymous or known donors? A brief discussion of the psychosocial issues raised by removing anonymity from sperm donors

Abstract

In spite of a trend towards open identity, the ethical issues raised by the removal of anonymity from sperm donors are still contentious and raise controversy about the significance of genetic inheritance and what are often seen as competing rights claims for the children born, for donors and for the parents of donor insemination (DI) offspring. This review provides a short discussion of the arguments for and against the disclosure of donor insemination status to offspring, which are at the heart of the controversy over anonymity as they relate to the stakeholders in the process.

Keywords::

• sperm donation
• ethics
• donor anonymity

Declaration of interest: The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Notes

¹http://www.hfea.gov.uk/3422.html#3425. accessed January 8, 2013.

²http://www.hfea.gov.uk/3411.html. accessed January 8, 2013.

³On 31/01/13. See http://www.swainandco.com/family-law/parental-rights-sperm-donors-can-seek-more-rights/ and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/9841207/Sperm-donors-can-seek-more-parental-rights.html.