There is an interesting article on line in the New York Times, February 24, 2008, regarding DNA tests and fears regarding insurance coverage. I have often wondered if this could be a problem regarding testing the DNA of my children and that of their donor (via sperm vials I still have in storage).
The article was written by Amy Harmon for the Times who covers many of these medical issues as well as the donor conception series she ran a couple of years ago. I am tempted to write to her about this angle but I would be more concerned on he insurance industry picking on the concern and causing long term problems.
My gut is if you test the "donor only" the child cannot be held to a pre-existing condition if te condition has not been diagnosed as being current and real. the problems mightbegin if you test and disclose the results of any tests on the children.
Hi.
ReplyDeleteI realize this is a post or two late, but I wanted to comment on something you said in response to the Oprah show about donor conception.
You said:
"The story should always be about the individuals created in this unregulated system and how these individuals cope and process the story of their creation."
Okay.
I agree that this is a very important issue concerning donor conception, but I think they are other very valid stories out there as well.
I was bothered that there is no social perception of donor conceived children being raised in homes with a mother and father and siblings. It seems like the majority of DC guests on Oprah's show (and other media venues) grew up as the only child of a single by choice mother.
I think one of the reasons that many married couples are uneasy about disclosing their donor insemination history (even to their own children) relates directly to the ignorance of our culture concerning male infertility.
I've had to tell DOCTORS what azoospermia is- let's not even get into the discussions I have to have with friends, family, co-workers, etc.
Maybe we *won't* see an Oprah Show about Fathers of Donor Conceived children anytime soon... but dammit, we should. Of course our children are what matter most, but the story of donor insemination as a treatment for infertility deserves to be told, too.
-D.
Heh. You made us, man. Can't expect us to give up the limelight now.
ReplyDeleteI kid, I kid.
I would like to see a little thought spared for some of the sheer hurtful crap my dad's had to go through since I and my siblings were manufactured.