UK fertility regulator could propose scrapping donor anonymity law

The fertility watchdog says that a rise in genetic testing websites is likely to make it impossible for donors to stay anonymous.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is considering whether to recommend scrapping anonymity for future sperm and egg donors as part of a future overhaul of UK fertility laws, according to the Guardian.

Peter Thompson, the chief executive of the HFEA, said an increase in consumer genetic testing websites could threaten donor anonymity and therefore, the law needs to be brought into line with this new reality.

“We feel that the technology of cheap DNA tests throws into question the underlying assumption [of anonymity],” said Thompson for the newspaper. “Given that, the responsible thing to do is to start a conversation about where we as a society want to go on these things. It’s a big change.

“You can see a position in the future where confidentiality just becomes impossible, whatever the attitude of families, the honest truth is that people will just find out,” he added.

Under the current rules introduced in April 2005, people conceived from donated sperm, eggs or embryos are able to find out the identity of the donor once they reached the age of 18. However, donors can choose to keep their anonymity until then.

Scrapping anonymity from birth could mean more contact between donors, donor-conceived people and their parents, but is likely to spark controversy.

The HFEA is planning to look at the 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act and propose draft legislation by the end of this year.

The Guardian reports that the regulator is expected to demand greater powers to fine fertility clinics found selling ineffective “add-on” treatments and wants to make it easier for same-sex couples and single people to access treatment.

The HFEA chief executive said that the watchdog had not decided on a proposal around anonymity, but that one option under consideration is “a presumption of openness almost from the word go”, with the anonymity of donors being lifted at birth.