A DONOR-CONCEIVED CHILD’S RIGHT TO KNOW ITS GENETIC ORIGIN: A SOUTH AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This paper addresses the need for donor-conceived children to know their genetic parents. The author focuses on the legal consequences of not knowing a genetic parent, as a basis to advocate for the recognition and protection of a donor-conceived child’s right to know its genetic parent. Further an analogy is drawn between donor-conceived and adopted children to advance the argument. The conclusion is that there is a need for legal reform, with regard to anonymous gamete donation in South African law.