What are the arguments in favour of not disclosing the fact of the ovum donation to resulting off-spring?
Proponents of nondisclosure assert that information will be confusing and burdensome to the child. The child may reject the intended mother and feel frustrated that they will never be able to make contact with their genetic link. Although the donor’s contribution was crucial, the intended mother is the biological mother. Ovum donation is distinguishable from adoption in that there never was a legal relationship between the donor and the child. The mother is the one who cares for and nurtures the child. We at VFC encourage parents to be open and honest with the child – and indeed there are excellent books available which explain all forms of ART ( assisted reproductive technologies) very sensitively to the young child.
