Press releases

New proposals to ensure donor-conceived children learn of their origins welcomed by BAAF

Issued: 1 August 2007

BAAF welcomes a recommendation to give urgent consideration to the proposal that children born from donated eggs or sperm should have the nature of their conception indicated on their birth certificates.

The suggested change, which has been debated by the parliamentary committee scrutinising the draft Human Tissues and Embryos Bill, could help ensure donor-conceived children have access to fundamental information about their identity, says the charity. However, as this is such a complex area that raises such strong feelings, BAAF also supports the proposal that the Government should urgently give the matter further consideration. It is in everyone's interests that the issues are fully understood and debated.

BAAF had been concerned that although the Government removed donor anonymity in 2004, many children would never be told the circumstances of their conception and so would not be in a position to access such information.

Julia Feast, BAAF Policy Research & Development Consultant, says:

"We fully support proposals that will encourage openness and mean children find out about their origins. Parenting a child who is not genetically related raises unique issues and this should be acknowledged in legislation, as it is in adoption. We agree with the committee that children born as a result of donor-assisted conception should have their status reflected in official records.

"We would also like to see the introduction of obligatory information and preparation sessions for prospective parents that help parents think through why being open with children about their genetic identity really matters. It is crucial parents understand why telling their children the whole truth is so important."

The charity says the lessons we have learned from adoption – such as the distress of discovering your genetic identity has been kept secret – must not be ignored. Adoption research shows that it is important for people to have access to information that can help build a fuller sense of their identity and give knowledge about who their genetic parents are, but it also shows that most adopted people identified 'real' parents as those who loved and cared for them on a day to day basis throughout their lives. We believe the implications of this research need to be taken on board in the current context of donor-assisted conception. This is not about interfering in people's private lives, it is about building stronger families and avoiding problems in the future.  In addition, our increasing knowledge of genetic disorders makes it even more crucial these children know their origins.

Notes for Editor:

For more information, please call BAAF press office on 020 7421 2632/3 or email daisy.oclee@baaf.org.uk For out of hours enquiries, call the press office mobile on 07767 444 589.