British Fertility Society response to donor anonymity paper in Human Reproduction
10th November 2004
The British Fertility Society
(BFS) welcomes this study from Human Reproduction as the first
evidence of the attitudes of donor conceived children to their
biological fathers. Although small, this study is important as
it, and others like it, will enable us to minimise uncertainty
of the future for donors who agree to donate sperm at UK clinics
from April 2005 (anonymity of UK sperm and egg donors will be removed
in April 2005).
Dr Allan Pacey, of the British Fertility Society said, "BFS
members are concerned that the removal of donor anonymity may lead
to a dramatic drop in the number of donors. The study should go
part of the way to reassure future donors that donor conceived
children will take a measured and responsible view about contacting
them."
"It is reassuring that they were concerned about respecting
their biological father’s privacy, and not intruding on his
life."
"However, it is of some concern that 4 out of 5 donor conceived
people were likely to try and contact the donor as this may mean
that even if future donors come forward, they may place limits
on the number of births that can be achieved from their donations."
The British Fertility Society's position on the removal of gamete
donor anonymity is as follows:
1) The views of the BFS' membership are diverse, as they are in
society at large, however
2) There is unanimous concern among members that the number of
donors who are willing to be identified may not be sufficient to
meet the needs of those requiring treatment.
3) The Society will continue to work proactively with the Government
and other bodies on long-term education and recruitment campaigns
to try to ensure that donor numbers are maintained.
Notes
This press release relates to: Adolescents with open-identity
sperm donors: reports from 12-17 year olds. Human
Reproduction.
Doi:10.1093/humrep/deh581.
Full text of the study can be found at: http://www3.oup.co.uk/eshre/press-release/nov04.pdf
For more information: please contact the British Fertility Society press office
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