Gene testing and DNA databases may have major consequences for the future of egg and sperm donation across the world, experts warn today.
Individuals conceived via donor gametes could quite possibly discover biological relatives, say Professor Joyce Harper of University College London, UK, and colleagues in Human Reproduction today (13 April).
They call for parents using donor conception to be fully informed that their children’s DNA will show that they are not the biological parents.
Professor Harper says: "DNA tests are increasingly being used to solve unknown parentage cases for adoptees and donor-conceived persons. People are finding half-siblings and even biological parents in online databases that are open to the public.
"A sperm donor does not have to be in the database to be identified as identification can be made from matches with other close relatives such as second or third cousins."
She adds: "Using these genetic databases, donor-conceived adults who have not been informed of their status may find out that they are donor-conceived, which may lead to traumatic breakdown of trust with parents."
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing is already very widespread, say the authors, with over three million people already using these services, frequently without the input of health care professionals.
Co-author Dr Debbie Kennett added: "The article highlights the need to ensure that new genetic information is communicated in a way that promotes both the safety and privacy needs of offspring and donors. Fertility clinics need to develop robust guidelines and procedures that enable them to integrate subsequent genomic data into their existing consent agreements.
"All parties concerned must be aware that, in 2016, donor anonymity does not exist."
Harper, J. et al. Human Reproduction 13 April 2016
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