Author: R Landau

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 13, Number 11, November 1998 , pp. 3268-3273(6)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

Donor assisted conception provides new opportunities for achieving parenthood but at the same time raises issues of secrecy, anonymity, and the management of the offspring's genetic origins. As with adoption, the child's right to a genetic identity is at stake. The first part of this paper examines bio-psychosocial evidence indicating that maintaining secrecy and anonymity regarding genetic parents may be detrimental to the well-being of the donor offspring, the donor, and the nurturing, social parents. The second part discusses different approaches to the disclosure of genetic origins. The third part presents the case of Israel, as reflected mainly in the Report of the Israeli Ministry of Justice (1994). The paper shows that the Committee, yielding to the medical profession in the country, preferred the interests of the adults involved in donor assisted conception to those of the offspring and made no sincere attempts to protect the child's basic right to genetic identity. In doing so, it turned its back on the well established policy of openness in the field of adoption and on the emerging trend to similar openness in donor assisted conception in other countries.

Keywords: anonymity/donor assisted conception/ethics/genetic origins/secrecy

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Correspondence to: 12 Recanati Street, 69494 Tel Aviv, Israel

Publication date: 1998-11-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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