Presenting a new legal project on Wednesday morning, Sam Tanson emphasised that children's well-being is a priority. Knowing one's origin is a human, and thus also child's, right. Moreover, it is important to children's personal development.
In the future, the identity of third-party sperm and egg donors need to be documented as a legal requirement for artificial insemination.
This applies to artificial insemination carried out both in Luxembourg and abroad, in cases where at least one of the parents-to-be lives in Luxembourg.
Only the child themselves will be allowed to request information pertaining to their biological identity and the donor. However, if they are a minor they will need their parents' permission.
At present, a woman can give birth anonymously - that is, give birth in the hospital and leave the child in the care of another party without leaving for the child her identity or any other information. The new bill will instead introduce a "secret" birth, wherein one or both parents can declare their identity. This information would only be given to the child if a special agreement is in place to render this a possibility. They may also leave "non-identifying" information, such as a letter explaining the circumstances of the birth and their decision.
