Age limits in the Artificial Insemination Donor Data Act
- Period: October 2021 – September 2022
- Status: completed
In the study Age limits in the Artificial Insemination Donor Data Act, researchers from the University of Humanistic Studies, Pro Facto and Fiom looked at a sound basis for the age at which donor children can obtain information about the donor. ZonMW awarded a grant for this study. The advisory report was sent to the House of Representatives in early February 2023.
Description
In 2021, the first donor children covered by the Donor Data Act on Artificial Insemination turned 16. Under Dutch law, these donor children are entitled to information about who the donor is. When they reach the age of 12, they can obtain information about the donor’s social and physical characteristics. When they reach the age of 16, they can request the donor’s name, age and place of residence. The previous evaluation of the law showed that there was insufficient justification for the current age limits.
The researchers focused on the question of what the most appropriate age limits are for making a decision about receiving information from a donor and possibly meeting with a donor (if desired by both the donor and the donor child).
The research was conducted by means of literature review, empirical research into the experiences of donor children and an ethical analysis of these findings. Ultimately, the research resulted in a clear report and concrete advice to the House of Representatives on the justification for the age limits in the Donor Data Act.
Researchers
- Ethisch en fenomenologisch deelonderzoek: prof. dr. Inge van Nistelrooij (projectleider) en prof. dr. Carlo Leget van de Universiteit voor Humanistiek.
- Juridisch deelonderzoek: prof. dr. Heinrich Winter, mr. Nicolette Woestenburg en mr. Tinka Floor van Pro Facto.
- Psychologisch en fenomenologisch deelonderzoek: dr. Astrid Indekeu, dr. Sophie Bolt en dr. Janneke Maas van Fiom.
Partners
The study is being conducted by researchers from the University of Humanistic Studies, Pro Facto and Fiom. A donor and a donor child are involved in the study as project advisors. The sounding board group includes experts by experience and representatives of interest groups: Stichting Donorkind, Freya, Meer dan Gewenst, Alleen met Kinderwens, POINT and the LIDC partnership.
(Co-)funding
ZonMW, programme Ethics and Health
Results
Advice and research report: Zorgvuldigheid in de omgang met leeftijdsgrenzen in de Wet donorgegevens kunstmatige bevruchting (Careful handling of age limits in the Artificial Insemination Donor Data Act)
Contact
Prof. dr. Inge van Nistelrooij, i.vannistelrooij@uvh.nl.