<i>Issues Surrounding Donor Anonymity in The Era of Genetic Testing </i>

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Other Title
  • 精子ドナーの匿名性をめぐる問題
  • 精子ドナーの匿名性をめぐる問題 : 遺伝子検査の時代に
  • セイシ ドナー ノ トクメイセイ オ メグル モンダイ : イデンシ ケンサ ノ ジダイ ニ
  • －遺伝子検査の時代に－

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Abstract

<p>     Genetic testing has become popular in Japan, and people can now undergo DNA testing at a reasonable price, 70 years after the first AID (Artificial Insemination by donor's semen) was implemented. Therefore if donor-conceived children come to doubt their genetic relationship with their fathers, they are able to confirm that they have no genetic relationship despite their parentsʼ attempt to hide the truth. This means that we are now in an era in which donor anonymity is now longer secure. Given this background, this paper points out the risks faced if donor anonymity is maintained and discusses issues associated with the infringement of donor privacy and the relationship between parents and donor-conceived children. In Japan, the policy of donor anonymity remains in effect because of anxiety over a possible shortage of donors. However, the result is to ignore the various problems created by donor anonymity. This is problematic from the perspective of justice. At the same time, if donors continue to receive no explanation of the possibility that donor anonymity may become insecure, they will become anxious about having their identities traced. This situation is injurious to donors. I conclude that it is necessary to legally clarify the relationship between parents and donor-conceived children, and based on that definition to respect donor offspring's “right to know identifying information of their donors” and abolish donor anonymity.</p>

Journal

  • Bioethics

    Bioethics 27 (1), 105-112, 2017

    Japan Association for Bioethics

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