Attitudes towards donor insemination-a post-warnock survey

In a multi-centred study, a total of 799 patients, donors and health-care professionals concerned with artificial insemination with donor semen (AID) responded to a questionnaire regarding their attitudes towards current provision of AID services and proposed legislation. There was little support for any fundamental change in the way in which AID is practised, at least in those centres. The anonymous status of the donor met with universal agreement. Although there was some support for the communication of non-identifying details to the recipient couple, where they wanted them, there was no support for any legislation which might give the AID child a right of access to details of the donor. The greatest divergence of opinion was over the question of who should have access to AID treatment and whether or not screening procedures should be applied to prospective parents. Most respondents felt that the closed and confidential relationship between the clinic and the other parties involved should not automatically be extended to general practitioners or any national bodies. In respect of specific recommendations of the Warnock Committee, there was support for changes which might legitimize or assist the present system, but not for any which might be restrictive.