The social and psychological consequences of secrecy in artificial insemination by donor (AID) programmes

The assumption that secrecy is of paramount importance in AID programmes has arisen in order to protect the three parties involved: donor, recipient couple and offspring. Due to the uncertain legal position, the medical profession has also been concerned to protect itself against possible litigation. Recent calls for an abolition of all secrecy have been motivated by the knowledge and experience of workers in the field of adoption. The similarities and differences between adoption and AID as ways of creating a family are discussed, with the resulting conclusion that, although the two have much in common they do present different experiences and problems for parents and offspring. The experiences of donors and recipient couples are then discussed based on data gathered to date from 67 donors and 93 couples in an AID programme at the Melbourne Family Medical Centre. It is stressed that many statements in the past regarding secrecy have not been informed by the opinions and intentions of participants themselves, and further information is needed in this area. Furthermore, it is clear that all members of a society are affected by the codes of secrecy currently operating and the 'rights' of all members of that society need to be considered.