As
the parents of a child conceived through DI, we understand the challenges
and choices couple turning to DI face. We have a beautiful son who was
conceived with the help of DI. It is our hope that society will become
more accepting of this option to family building that has been in practice
for over 100 years!
If you are wanting to connect with others who have had their children
through DI or are trying to conceive through DI, please join our e-mail
support group or DI
Bulletin Board. The insights of children of DI and donors are
also welcomed.
DI
(Donor Insemination) is now widely practiced throughout the world.
The pregnancy rate is high: 70 to 80% of couples who choose DI eventually
have a child by this method. 30-50,000 babies are conceived each year
in North America with the help of DI. It's time that DI become a widely
accepted form of family building.
DI offers a range of benefits to couples.
The
experience of pregnancy from the start to the birth, often seen as an
important preparation for parenthood, is shared by the couple.
One
parent has a biological and genetic link with the child.
By
attending the inseminations the husband can share in the child's conception.
DI
is a relatively simple and usually painless procedure requiring
neither surgery nor a stay in hospital.
Public
opinion is showing a far greater acceptance of DI as a means of having
a family. Many couples find they receive support and reassurance from
their family and friends when they tell them they are receiving the
treatment.
The
treatment is confidential. Couples decide for themselves who knows that
they are being treated.
The
anonymity of the donor ensures against any legal, material or emotional
claim by him on the couple or child and vice versa.
The Dilemmas of DI
Some
religious groups are still opposed to donor insemination.
The
secrecy that sometimes surrounds a DI conception can perpetuate the
notion that it is naturally and ethically wrong. This can, in some cases,
lead to feelings of guilt and fear in relation to the child's birth
and nurture.
As
with adoption, the husband has no hereditary or genetic relationship
with the child, and his procreative desires cannot be fulfilled.
Both
partners need to reflect on their attitudes and feelings towards a child
conceived by donor semen and its impact on their relationship. A mutual
acceptance is of the utmost importance but cannot always be reached.
The
right of the child to know about the method of conception is a controversial
question which some couples find hard to resolve.
Remarks
about family likeness should be expected when the baby arrives.
These are perfectly normal, but they can cause embarrassment if parents
are not prepared for them.
Children
conceived with anonymous sperm may have a difficult time emotionally
because their biological father and his family could forever be a mystery.
