Ethical Issues Related to Women Having Children with Unknown Sperm Donors - Essay Example

? Ethical Issues related to Women Having Children with Unknown Sperm Donors Sperm donation is a technological advancement that began taking place in the 1970s. The technology has advanced overtime to present over 300,000 children born yearly through sperm donation (Liou, 2011, p. 7). A number of sperm banks and agents exist that ensure they provide the service of sperm donation through artificial insemination. Parents seeking the service of sperm donation do so to overcome male sterility issues, prevent genetic problems or assist single women to become mothers (Gong, 2009, p. 645). Sperm banks get sperm donors from colleges and through the internet. Screening test carried out to ensure the sperm donor is free from genetic diseases, and is of sound mind and intelligence. A number of ethical considerations have risen because of women having children with unknown sperm donors. Sperm donation takes place through artificial insemination. A couple chooses a donor with regard to race, intelligence and good health among other issues (Liou, 2011, p. 7). Technological advancement has assisted older women to bear children. In addition, married infertile men also use sperm donation services to conceive children. The technology has been embraced by many people especially women who wish to bear children at their 40s and 50s. Nonetheless, some ethical and legal issues have emerged where a third party is involved. Therefore, when undertaking unknown sperm donation by a couple the following ethical considerations, should be considered: such as if the sperm donor has legal rights that protect him from any problems that may arise in the future (Liou, 2011, p. 7). In the past, the donors chose to remain anonymous, stating they did not want to get in touch with the donor children. However, due to the curiosity of the donor children, sperm donors have the option of either remaining anonymous or choosing their identity to be known. The donor also has the freedom of being free from any responsibility to the biological child originating from his sperm (Seibel & Crockin, 2010, p. 25). When it comes to the client seeking sperm donation services some information ought to be made available; for instance, what are the complications associated with artificial insemination. Sperm donation activity is not always successful therefore; some treatments ought to be considered before one is eligible for artificial insemination. The sperm bank availing the sperm does not give a guarantee to the client if the sperm is free from genetic diseases (Seibel & Crockin, 2010, p. 26). Even though, genetic screening test is undertaken prior to the procedure, it does not guarantee that the sperm is free from genetic diseases and abnormalities. In addition, the client is also required to be fully responsible for the donor child. The sperm donor and the client rights are usually established under a written contract, signed by the two and the doctor. The agreement ensures that the client and the sperm donor are aware of their rights with regard to the whole procedure. Sperm banks have their specifications when it comes to the sperm they take from donors. A man’s education and personal outlook are taken into consideration. Age also matters, men above the age of forty are not accepted by any sperm bank (Seibel & Crockin, 2010, p. 27). The sperm banks are required, ethically to ensure that they keep records of the number of children one person has conceived this will be used for future references. Therefore, to curb the issue of ethical controversies ethical principles ought to be applied. This will protect persons conceived through sperm donation and all the participants in the sperm donation transaction. Controlling the number of donor offspring is the first principle. Without proper control, one sperm donor can father over 150 children. For instance, in the United States the technology of artificial insemination is on the rise and the demand for donor sperm have risen, as well (Liou, 2011, p. 7). However, the demand has led to increased donor offspring with some of them related to each other. Mothers who have used donor sperm service required to report any successful artificial insemination birth. Nevertheless, only a few of the mothers have reported in the internet the number of children one sperm donor has fathered (Seibel & Crockin, 2010, p. 28). Many donor children from the same father raise the problem of genetics and ethics. In addition, cases of accidental incest could arise. Relationships leading to marriages between half siblings could result as well as the number of the recessive gene disorders. The problem would increase if one donor sperm fathers a number of children in a small geographic location. Sperm banks priority is to do business, they do not put into consideration the risk they are putting the donor children, donor families and the donors who are unaware of the number of children they have fathered. The society; therefore has to ask itself if sperm donation from unknown father is ethical to both the mother and child (Seibel & Crockin, 2010, p. 30). The society also has to ask itself if it is reasonable to raise the child without informing the child of existence of a biological father. In addition, should the child be informed of existence of the other half siblings or this should be hidden too (Streisand, 2011, p. 42). The sperm banks should focus on this consideration, so that the existence of too many offspring from the same father can be minimized. In addition, proper laws should also be implemented. The significance of controlling the number of donor offspring is to ensure accidental blood relations avoided. It has been globally agreed that if control is not practiced children from the same father will have the risk of getting into relations without their knowledge. Nonetheless, different countries have imposed different guidelines to tackle the issue (Seibel & Crockin, 2010, p. 31). Considering the size of the country’s population, density of population and mobility of the population is a crucial step. For instance, in China one sperm donor is only allowed, to impregnate five women through vitro fertilization, whereas in the United States, it is recommended that one sperm donor impregnate 25 women in a population of 800, 000 people. Donor offspring controlled to prevent future blood relations and incest. Controversies existed in the past where principles were not set with regard to the issue. In the United States, there is no federal or state law that is controlling the issue of sperm donation. Nonetheless, American society for reproductive medicine (ASRM) advocates that institution, clinics and sperm banks should preserve ample records to permit a limit to be established for the number of pregnancies a single sperm donor can contribute. Population size is the main criteria applied in the United States, to control the number of children a sperm donor allowed to conceive. In the United Kingdom, the limit of sperm donation set to ten families (Seibel & Crockin, 2010, p. 32). Therefore, a single sperm donor can only father 10 children to avoid blood relations within the country. In Australia, population density and sparseness also affect the limit to sperm donation. Each donor required by the human reproductive technology act, to impregnate five pregnancies (Streisand, 2011, p. 43). In addition, the donation is also controlled to the number of children each family allowed to conceive. This is done to prevent the problem of genetic diseases arising from marriage between half siblings in future. In addition, the act also protects the number of families donor-conceived persons can be related. Reducing the risk of infection and genetics from sperm donors Unknown sperm donation was routine in the past. Nonetheless, in recent years donor children born in 1980s are now adults and are in search of their biological fathers. Some claim that they are curious. They would want to get in touch and know their biological fathers. However, most of them are pushed to look for their biological fathers for medical history and knowing their ancestral home. The donor children claim that it is crucial to know these things. More often than not, it has not been successful, because the donors are not willing to meet with the donor children. In addition, the genetic diseases are on the rise; therefore, it is essential to know the historical past of individuals (Seibel & Crockin, 2010, p. 35). Different sperm agencies agree that sperm donors should undergo medical testing to ensure that they are free from diseases especially sexual and genetic diseases. This will prevent the diseases from passing on to the offspring. The medical assessment process involves undertaking medical history from donors and carrying out laboratory tests on the semen sample (Seibel & Crockin, 2010, p. 36). Sperm donor agencies recommend that donors should be healthy people of a normal reproductive age. The donors should also be free from sexually transmitted diseases and any hereditary disorder. Members of a medical team are not allowed to be donors because they can lie about their medical condition putting the donor-child at risk (Streisand, 2011, p. 44). Specific qualities required to be present in a sperm donor individual. The main qualities though involve confirmation of an exemplary health history and free from health abnormalities. If proper screening and procedure are not followed during the sperm donation procedure, the children born through the procedure may encounter some health problems. Women seeking the sperm donation service would not wish to have children with abnormalities or genetic diseases (Streisand, 2011, p. 45). Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that proper screening tests are undertaken, and the donor is proved to be free from diseases and any abnormalities. The records of the sperm donor should also be preserved for easy tracing of the donor when a problem arises in the future. Prior to donation of sperms, a screening test is undertaken. This will reduce the chances of existence of hereditary diseases and abnormalities to donor children. The screening tests are mandatory to give assurance to parents seeking the service that they will have normal children. Sperm donors and the parents seeking the service required to note down a written consent with regard to sperm donation. The sperm donor has the power, to change the written agreement or withdraw from donating more sperms (Burr, 2010, p. 801). In addition, the donor also has the right to decide the amount of sperms to be used as donation. This will ensure the risk of having multiple offspring is avoided. Payment of donors is not recommended. A sperm donor is paid only by the sperm bank with regard to the service offered. Any transaction-taking place out of the sperm agency premises is prohibited and punishable by law. Age requirements for sperm donors For one to be involved in sperm donation a legal age is required. Males under the age of twenty are not considered to be potential donors. If one seeks sperms, from males of the age below 18 legal measures will be undertaken. This act is considered exploitation and individuals involved are punished accordingly. The donor is required to be between the ages of 18 to 39. Men above 39 are considered to have sperms that are not as healthy and strong as below this age. The age limit is increasing the high demand for couples seeking to conceive through artificial insemination (Streisand, 2011, p. 46). Unknown sperm donation Individuals supporting unknown sperm donation claim that the anonymity will be beneficial to the donor, recipients and the donor offspring, when the offspring learns of his or her origin, sociological and psychological problems may arise. The child may seek to get information of his or her biological father (Burr, 2010, p. 802). Unknown sperm donations have the advantage of assisting parents to hide their fertility problem, if the donor is known the child may abandon the parents claiming they were infertile. In addition, sperm donation also assists couples in concealing their problem from the entire society. Some cultures do not accept sperm donation, therefore; using an unknown sperm donor conceals the issue. Nonetheless, issues have risen as to whom should use sperm donation. Lesbian couples are known to be embracing the technological advancement (Burr, 2010, p. 803). However, some of the societies do not agree with them. Anonymous sperm donation frees the donor of parental responsibility; in addition, the child will never know he or she was conceived through sperm donation. Nonetheless, non-anonymous donors can be used if all parties are in agreement. A number of women have regretted their choice of unknown sperm donors. For instance, one mother was heard regretting her choice of an anonymous sperm donor. For example, one mother alleged that her son, had a number of defects. One of them being signs of autism. All she could remember was the number of the donor, provided by the sperm bank. In addition, she knew the donor was a college student then, with some interest in architecture (Burr, 2010, p. 805). The donor had not provided any historical background of his family. Seeing his son, the mother wanted to get in touch with the donor. Nonetheless, this was difficult because a promise had been made that no trace of the donor would be allowed. The mother, therefore, joined others on the internet search for half siblings and the donors (Streisand, 2011, p. 46). The search was not successful; the only thing she learned was a half sibling of her son. The children had similar abnormalities and looks. She blamed herself for not conducting thorough research when choosing an anonymous donor. A number of women are now opting to use the non-anonymity sperm donation. This is because it easy to trace the man in addition the donor will be aware of the number of children he has. Many donor children are curious about their origin and their other half, by using a known donor tracing the donor becomes easier (Pence, 2007, p. 11). Problems that arise as a result of anonymity are reduced considerably. In addition, genetic diseases caused by partnerships of half siblings are avoided. Religious believers are against anonymity sperm donation claiming that incest is condemned on religious grounds. Therefore, choosing a known donor will assist in controlling the number of children the donor fathers. Curious children also are able to get in touch with the donor father. This is because when donor children reach of age they demand to be connected to their biological parents. The concept of sperm donation and artificial insemination is not immoral. Nonetheless, anonymous sperm donation exercise is not recommendable. Known sperm donation will be less problematic, and ethical issues with regard to known sperm donation will be reduced considerably, in addition, it easy for the client, and the donor child to get historical information of the donor (Streisand, 2011, p. 47). In the case, of genetic disease, the parents will be aware of the disorder at a young, where it will be easier to deal with the problem at a tender age. The ethical and legal issues arising form this issue should be put into consideration by women seeking the service. This will save them from future problems. The children will have an easy way of getting in touch with their biological parents. In addition, all other concerns relating to the sperm donation activity will be tackled accordingly (Streisand, 2011, p. 48). The donor children have a right of knowing their biological parents when they become of age. Therefore, to curb the problems that arise due, to donor anonymity it is better to be aware of the sperm donor. Conclusion A number of women unable to conceive naturally are seeking the services of sperm donation. A number of ethical issues exist with regard to unknown sperm donation. Sperm donors assist thousands of unproductive women have children of their own. The sperm donation industry is growing at a rapid speed and the law is behind with regard to anonymous sperm donation. The women, donor children and the sperm donors have the right to be protected by the law against any future problems that may occur. Unknown sperm donation raises a number of health issues. Therefore, proper laws should be implemented to ensure donor children are protected if a problem occurs in the future. Ethical Issues relating to Women Having Children with Unknown Sperm Donors are diverse. Therefore, women are advised to seek the service through known sperm donors to ensure future problems are prevented. This is because in case of any problem arises to the child in the future, it will be easier to contact the sperm donor. In addition, curious children of the legal age will contact their biological fathers easily. In addition, using known sperm donors prevents existence of offspring from the same father. This will prevent the problem of blood donation and incest. In addition, historical background of the donor will easily be traced, as a result. Therefore, to prevent the existence ethical issues with regard to using unknown sperm donation women should use known sperm donors. Women are the most affected when it comes to the issue of sperm donation because they are responsible for carrying the pregnancy of an unknown man to term. Therefore, it is better to be aware of the man who donated the sperm responsible for the child to be born. Knowing the sperm donor will keep the mother at ease with regard to the roots of the child. Sperm donation procedure provides ethical dilemma therefore the people undertaking the procedure should be aware of all ethical complications. References Burr, J. (2010). To name or not to name? An overview of the social and ethical issues raised by removing anonymity from sperm donors. Asian Journal Of Andrology, 12(6), 801-806. Gong, D. (2009). An overview on ethical issues about sperm donation. Asian Journal of Andrology, 11(6), 645-652. Liou, S. (2011). One Sperm Donor, 150 Offspring. Penn Bioethics Journal, 7 (1), 7. Pence, G. E. (2007). Re-creating medicine: Ethical issues at the frontiers of medicine. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield. Seibel, M. M., & Crockin, S. L. (2010). Understanding family building through egg and sperm donation: Medical, legal, and ethical issues. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Streisand, B. (2011). Who's your daddy? U.S. News & World Report, 140 (5), 53-56. Read More