Donor Conception

This book examines the ethical problems with using donated sperm, eggs and embryos, known collectively as "donor conception". In addition to delineating the existing arguments, it introduces new thinking and clear analysis into a debate which has hitherto been the preserve of professional groups with their own cultures and perspectives. It covers: * Details of the history and practice of donor conception in the UK and overseas. * The argument that donor conception is a social experiment whose secrecy makes its results impossible to determine. * The evidence from adoption that genetic relationships are of fundamental importance to human beings, and the resulting likelihood that donor-conceived people are being significantly damaged. * The philosophical arguments that are used to justify donor conception even if damage is being caused. These arguments are examined in detail and found to be unconvincing. * The ideologies in society that make the medium-term continuation of donor conception inevitable. * The likely long-term outcome, which is a reassessment by society both of donor conception and of the underlying ideologies. This is a readable text in a complex area, suitable for undergraduates, academic researchers and the general reader.