All entries for Monday 14 August 2006

Sperm and responsibility

I'm currently listening to an interesting programme on Radio 4 about the current 'crisis' in sperm donation. Recent law changes have given the children of sperm donors the right to trace their fathers once they reach adulthood. Unsurprisingly, this has significantly decreased the numbers of sperm donors to a critical point.

• Should a child have the automatic right to find out who their parents are, even in the formerly anonymous and random act of sperm donation?


• Are the recent changes morally important as they encourage potential donors to really consider the consequences their contribution rather than being principally swayed by the monetary advantages? Is it necessary for a potential donor to consider these issues so seriously?


• What are the motivating factors for sperm donation and have they now changed?


• If we accept that the change in the law is morally right how can we overcome the current crisis in sperm availability?

: 14 Aug 2006 10:23 |  Tags: Ethics Science |  Comments (4) |  Close comments |  Report a problem