IVF and father's clause

[speedySleighmamahohoho]

Story here . I personally disagree with them removing the father clause. I think it undermines the child's familial identity, particularly when that child grows up, they want to find out about their paternal side.

I watched a program several years ago about the pyschological and emotional struggles that Foundlings (abandoned babies) suffered because they did not know who they were - they do not have a familial reference point for their place in this world. It was heartbreaking to watch a man in his 40s plead on TV for someone to come forward to help him find out his true identity.

I know these IVF children will know their mothers but how many of them will want to find out about their paternal side? I just feel so uneasy about deliberately denying a child their familial history. That's why I don't agree with egg donations either.

Also, I think it downgrades the role of men in the nuclear family which is hyprocritical of politicians when they are always ready to have a go at single mothers. Also, what message does it send to boys? They can donate to the reproductive process but as for the rest of it such as child rearing, don't take part if you don't want to.

there was a man on the robert winston assisted conception programme last night who was absolutely beside himself because he was a sperm donor baby who cannot trace his father, and even paints picture of himself cut in half, he feels so bereft...

speedy - the "need for a father" clause has nothing at all to do with whether or not a child finds out about their biological parent.

There are two issues here - one is about sperm/egg donation, and one is about whether or not a clinic should consider the circumstances of a woman or couple when deciding whether or not to give treatment.

All children now born as a result of donated eggs or sperm are able to trace their biological parent(s) when they turn 18 - if they wish. It's similar to being adopted. They are absolutely not foundlings. There is no "denying" of children's familial history going on here. Anyone having treatment using donated eggs/sperm must undergo counselling - as part of this they must discuss and consider the impact of the process on any child that may be born.

In terms of having a father, most of these children will be born to couples. The man who brings them up may not be their biological father - but he will be their father nevertheless and they will be part of a "nuclear" family.

The clause you refer to was designed for clinics to use when deciding on treatment for single women, or lesbian couples. Currently, some clinics have decided outright that they will not carry out the treatment for these women. Others - such as the clinic where I had treatment - will accept them as long as they have a plan in place for the child to have male role models in their life. The removal of the clause simply means that the clinics no longer have to consider this.

I have never met my biological father.

Nor have I ever felt the need to.

I wonder why some people really feel they need to know and some don't.

I know my Father and am worse off for it.

My sister's twins were conceived by donor IVF imported sperm from the US. She has registered so the father can contact them if he chooses to (he won't otherwise be contacted under US law). She is in touch with quite a few US half sibilings which is helpful.