On the importance of genetic knowledge

In: Children & society, Band 4, Heft 2, S. 183-196

Abstract

SUMMARY. Taking up the argument in Eric Blyth's paper, this article claims that the secrecy which currently prevails in the practice of donor insemination in the UK seems to serve the interests of all parties except the child. It analyses the arguments for replacing secrecy with confidentiality in terms of the adverse consequences of deception, the risks of unnecessary mental suffering and the infringement of children's rights. It expresses concern lest the needs of children for genetic knowledge may receive low priority in the Code of Practice of the new Licensing Authority