SECRECY AND OPENNESS IN DONOR INSEMINATION

This article explores the issues surrounding the notions of secrecy an d openness in donor insemination (DI). Secrecy in DI is first placed i n historical context, with an outline of some of the main reasons that secrecy has been advocated. The concept of openness is then introduce d, and some of the arguments for a more open approach to DI are presen ted. On this basis, the responses of various governments to calls for more openness are outlined, and the social policy implications of thes e are discussed. It is concluded that more openness in DI would be adv antageous to all of those involved. Couples, professionals, and policy makers are therefore urged to reexamine their views about the need for maintaining secrecy in the area.