April 6, 2007, Newsletter Issue #22: Legal Ramifications of Artificial Insemination

Tip of the Week

Artificial insemination also involves the use of donor sperm or eggs, and there are many contributors to infertility which involve egg or sperm production.

Laws vary from state to state in terms of the responsibilities and legalities of artificial insemination, including anonymity of donors, use of surrogates and the ability of children conceived with donor sperm or eggs to contact the donors upon reaching maturity.

California does not recognize egg or sperm donors as having any legal rights with regards to the offspring produced with their donations. In England, donors are facing changes in that laws that will prohibit them from being anonymous in their donations. This has adversely affected the donor sperm supply, since many men do not wish to be contacted by the children they assist to conceive. This also raises legal issues of rights of the offspring to money or property, based solely on their genetic connection to the donor. Use of surrogates, with or without artificial insemination, is prohibited in five (5) States and Washington DC.Before considering sperm or egg donation, check with the Donor Center or Fertility Clinic near you, or speak with an attorney who specializes in reproductive law, to ascertain your rights with regards to donating, the rights of the donation recipient, and the impact on you in terms of anonymity and protection from claims by children produced with your donation.

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