Gamete donation - where is the evidence that there are benefits in removing the anonymity of donors? A patient's viewpoint.
The Department of Health has recently initiated a consultation exercise seeking input on the subject of removing gamete donor anonymity. This paper examines the case for disclosure alongside that of providing additional non-identifying information. The author questions the availability of scientifically based research to demonstrate that children's best interests can only be served by the provision of identifying information. The author also questions whether all the possible implications of legislative change have been identified and debated. The paper states that the harmful effects of disclosure on the lives of other interested parties, an inevitable downward trend on donor numbers, and a negative emotional impact in the event of a mismatch in expectations between donors and donor offspring guard against the identification of gamete donors. It is proposed that egg share schemes without anonymity, possibly the only reliable source of donor eggs, would become impractical in the UK. It concludes that given the far-reaching and irreversible impact of disclosure, the removal of anonymity should be considered only when research provides unequivocal proof that improved levels of non-identifying information are insufficient for the well-being of donor offspring.
Fortescue
Elaine
E
8 Durlston Close, Compton Acres, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7UP, UK. elaine@fortescue1.co.uk
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003376:Counseling; D033001:Directed Tissue Donation / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology; D006113:United Kingdom