Assisted heterologous fertilization and the right of donorconceived children to know their biological origins.

Abstract

The paper's main goal is to elaborate on the ethical issues that heterologous fertilization has raised as to the right of children thus conceived to find out about their origins. Such a quandary revolves around the following questions: Is it the right thing to inform the child as to the way he or she was conceived? If it is, does said child have a right to know his or her biological parent and genetic background too? Authors point out that there is no unanimity of judgment among experts, and it is worth weighing all reasons in favor and against acknowledging the children's right to full knowledge of their biological parents' data. Laws regulating the issue in different countries vary substantially as well. Therefore, the authors advocate for shared legislation, centered on the children's best interest.