Growing selection of sperm by donor social and cultural group
Originally submitted by Joe Ravetz
last updated by Rafael Popper
Weak Signal's progress: fully-fledged
This Weak Signal came from:
European Commission Framework Programme for RTD
The theme/scheme related to this Weak Signal:
Theme 6 - Environment (including Climate Change)
The sub-theme that best relates to this Weak Signal:
Environment and health
When did the Weak Signal manifest ?
2000-2005
Weak Signal's description
Despite opposition from many quarters (religious groups, some feminists and minority support and children’s rights advocates) the trend takes off, with celebrity endorsement (and donation) and media promotion. Markets in sperm (and ova) are widely used, enabling – if not designer babies – high levels of choice about the background of gametes. Regulatory issues arise (possibly varying across countries) concerning tracing donors and informing children of heir ancestry; about sex selection and ethnic issues; about inheritance from and payment to donors.
