Bill 7674 would allow children deriving from artificial insemination by a third party to trace back the identity of the sperm or egg donor, but also know about their mother in case of an anonymous birth.
This applies to fertilisations that are performed here in the country or abroad, if one of the "new parents" is living in this country. But in case of an anonymous birth, where the baby is given away without disclosing who its mother is, the mother should be able to protect her identity too, the bill states. Currently, laws allow a woman to remain officially unknown even though she is the biological mother of the child.
Every child should have the right to know where they come from, says rapporteur and Greens MP Charles Margue. It would guarantee peace of mind. It is a human right and child's right to know of their origin, he explains.
"When you don't know where you come from, then this can lead to suffering. It affects a person's personality, identity, and every individual has the right to get to the bottom of this question."
He goes on to say that "we're trying to find the right balance between the mother's right to anonymity and the child's right to their identity. A difficult balance."
A child may demand access to their files. If the child is still a minor, it needs permission from his or her parents. In the case of an anonymous birth, parents may inform the child of their identity, but this is not compulsory.
The bill has received substantial criticism from the medical perspective, as it bans artificial fertisilation due to foreign restrictions. How the solution will look regarding this matter is still unclear, according to its rapporteur.
