In the Netherlands, sperm donor children could soon be offered a DNA test to identify their biological father. “Every child has the right to know his/her origins”, announced MP Carla Dik-Faber before parliament. “It’s important for a sense of identity and could have a bearing on medical problems. That makes it a matter of principle for me and the cost should be no object. “ This is a draft bill which is being discussed as part of the health budget.
Anonymous sperm donation in the Netherlands has been banned since 2004, but approximately 40,000 children were conceived before that date. Since then, around 500 donors and 1,000 children conceived through sperm donation have registered with the genetic data base. Although donors can sign up free of charge, children have to shell out €250.
Furthermore, the Donor Children Association has recently complained about advertising for the Spanish fertility clinic IVF Spain, which uses anonymous donors: “We don’t think it’s a good idea to advertise things that are banned by Dutch law” explained Ties van der Meer, President of Stichting Donorkind. The Dutch Advertising Code Authority should rule today.
Further reading:
Gamete donor anonymity: “It’s difficult to move on without knowing your true origins”
European Court of Human Rights intervenes in debate on access to origins for gamete donor children
Woman offers reward in return for help to track biological father
Knowing your biological parents: “a must to find out who you really are”
Right to origins: born through anonymous delivery, “I’m an island adrift in the middle of the ocean”
Dutch News (17/10/2018)