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Donor Conceived Children Seek Paternity Test

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It’s clear that the agony suffered by the infertile is huge, but many did not anticipate the agony of the identity crisis that awaited children created through donor conception. New laws mean that post-2005 sperm donors can no longer be anonymous, but what about those before 2005?

A DNA Paternity Test is The Answer

Thousands of children have been created with no right to know their biological parents or half siblings. The deep distress that many donor-conceived children feel over their missing biological fathers was recognised by the government when it announced that children created through donated sperm, eggs or embryos will have the right to know the identity of their biological parents when they reach 18. But for those born pre-2005, a voluntary contact register has been set up. With the help of a home paternity test, this could help many of these children find the answers they are searching for.

DNA Paternity Test is Definitive

A DNA paternity test is the only definitive way a child can prove an alleged father is their biological dad. The change in law for donors is a result of a shift in thinking that argues that the rights of the child take precedence over the rights of infertile couples to have children and the rights of donors to anonymity. Many desperate people have previously had to turn to a DNA paternity test to collaborate years of detective work in tracking down their biological fathers.

Popularity of The DNA Paternity Test

Sperm banks however have expressed concern that donors will run dry as young male students who previously donated for the money and made up about 75% of all sperm donations, will think twice at the thought of being tracked down by offspring 18 years down the line. But as the popularity of the DNA paternity test shows, many children have an innate desire to locate their biological parents and half siblings. And a DNA paternity test can work the other way too – for some donors as time passes, they are increasingly intrigued about their offspring.

Crisis of Identity

As many internet websites set up by donor-offspring testify, many are furious at their crisis of identity and go to desperate lengths to track down their biological parents. If donors are also hoping to contact their offspring, they can register with websites and organisations which aim to help connect the donor conceived with their genetic parents. A simple DNA paternity test can confirm suspicions or any evidence collected by either party.

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