+353 (1) 685 6929 The use of DNA paternity testing raises questions surrounding sperm donation and fatherhood, meaning anonymity could be a thing of the past.
The subject of sperm donation has always been controversial, with two opposing sides presenting valid cases. In the process of artificial insemination, sperm donation is a vital link for infertile couples looking to start a family. Whilst this advance in modern science has proved a godsend to people, it has also sparked a worldwide debate over the emotional, moral and biological roles of all involved, dragging to the forefront once more the age old nature vs nurture argument and the importance of genetic identity. With paternity testing on the increase, and the removal of anonymity for sperm donors, this continues to be a topic in the spotlights.
The Debate Rages On
On the one side, there are those that will argue that every child has the right to know its biological parents, regardless of any conception factors. Many believe that that the natural bond between people is far stronger than anything that can be created and forged, and therefore, it goes against nature to separate a child from its biological parent. This type of opinion has come under some criticism, for many reasons.
Firstly, sperm donation is not a commitment to fatherhood. If a sperm donor wanted to become a father, he would raise his own children. Also, to avoid confusion to a child’s upbringing, it is argued that there should be no direct link to the child, leaving the job to their adoptive parents.
Secondly, a genetic or biological link does not automatically mean a paternal link. A child born through sperm donation has both parents there to raise it, leaving little if anything for the biological father to do, except possible create further confusion.
Therefore, biological relationships, through sperm donation, should be kept anonymous to avoid any issues later on in life with donors and their offspring wanting to track each other down.
On the other side, the argument states that every child and parent should have the right to contact each other. Why shouldn’t a donor father have access to his blood offspring, even from a regulated distance? Through advances in DNA testing, the presence of a biological father could prove vital in research of medical history, and testing of proneness to disease or illnesses.
The DNA Paternity Test vs Donor Anonymity
The widespread use of DNA testing has further increased the risks of donors losing their anonymity. Once a child has tracked down their biological, a simple test will prove paternity, leaving no doubt in one’s mind. It is a guaranteed that the argument will rage on, meanwhile governments in various countries have enacted legislation to ensure that a child’s interests take precedence over other issues, including donors right to privacy.