Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction...........................................................................................................................2

1.1 Semen.....................................................................................................................................2

1.2 Ovum......................................................................................................................................2

1.3 Third Party Reproduction.......................................................................................................2

2.0 Aspects to consider in Information Disclosure on Donor(s)................................................2

2.1 Legal Aspect..........................................................................................................................3

2.2 Ethical Aspect........................................................................................................................3

2.3 Social Aspect..........................................................................................................................3

3.0 Conclusion.................................................................................................................................3

References........................................................................................................................................4

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1.0 Introduction
In this assignment, the student shall discuss the topic questioning whether a child, who happens
to be a product of donated semen or ovum, should be given information about that donor. The
student shall give definitions of certain terms and phrases which will be relevant to this topic.
Furthermore, the student shall highlight the different aspects that have to be considered in such a
sensitive matter and shall be supported by expert contributions from other scholars. In
concluding this paper, the student shall summarise and give a position on the topic based on the
research carried out.

1.1 Semen
According to Shiel W.C. (2016), Semen can be defined as the fluid released through the penis
during orgasm. Semen is made up of fluid and sperm. The sperm are manufactured in the
testicles. The fluid, which is Seminal fluid, helps transport the sperm during orgasm.

1.2 Ovum
In an effort to understand the Ovum, Panawala L. (2017), defines it as the mature female gamete
in mammals, which gives rise to the embryo after fertilisation.

1.3 Third Party Reproduction

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) (2020) define the phrase “third-party
reproduction” as referring to the use of eggs, sperm, or embryos that have been donated by a
third person (donor) to enable an infertile individual or couple (intended recipient) to become
parents.

2.0 Aspects to consider in Information Disclosure on Donor(s)

Third Party Reproduction is a complex and sensitive topic by nature due to the fact that it deals
with life, issues of emotional attachment and future of the child involved. In trying to determine
whether or not to disclose donor information to a child who is as a result of Third Party
Reproduction, certain aspects have to be considered such as Legal, Ethical and Social aspects.

2.1 Legal Aspect

This more restrictive as far as how much information can be disclosed to the offspring of Third
Party Reproduction. This is mostly done to protect Donors who might not feel comfortable with
the idea of revealing their identities.

2
An observation made by Frith L. (2007), is that if the duty to tell offspring how they were
conceived is left exclusively to the parents, then it can be argued that it is the parent’s right to
privacy, rather than the child’s right to know, that is considered paramount. It should be noted
that the volume of disclosed information depends on the policies of the clinic and national
legislation.

2.2 Ethical Aspect

Frith L. (2007) further argues that discussion about a child's right to have identifying information
about his or her gamete donor begins with the prior question of whether offspring should be told
about the means of their conception. If children are not told, the right to have access to
information about the donor is effectively useless to them

2.3 Social Aspect

This aspect may also argue that disclosure is an important part of open and honest
communication with children in order to avoid secrets in the family that can strain family
relationships and create possibly tension within families.

Frith L. (2004) acknowledges that arguments have been given in support of disclosure. For one
thing, it may benefit children by protecting their interests in knowing their genetic heritage and
in securing accurate information about potential health problems.

3.0 Conclusion

3
References
American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2020. American Society for Reproductive
Medicine. [Online]
Available at: https://www.asrm.org/topics/topics-index/third-party-reproduction/

Frith, L., 2004;. Informing offspring of their conception by gamete donation. Fertil Steril.. Ethics
Committee of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine., 2(2), pp. 527-531.

Frith, L., 2007. Gamete Donation, Identity, and the Offspring's Right to Know. Virtual Mentor.
American Medical Association Journal of Ethics, 9(Number 9: 644-648).

Panawala, L., 2017. ResearchGate. [Online]

Available at:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320241474_Difference_Between_Secondary_Oocyte_
and_Ovum#pf3

William C. Shiel Jr., M. F. F., 2016. MedicineNet. [Online]

Available at: https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=33131