Well this is an interesting topic for me.
It's something I have considered for myself. Being of an age where wombs start to pack up, and not being in a relationship.
It's not very easy in this country (UK) as all the donors have disappeared since the law has changed guaranteeing privacy.
Anyway I have mixed views.
My primary concern would be for the child.
Firstly, would they have strong male role models in their life, eg an uncle, grandfather, good friend etc.
Secondly, what about their heritage. As someone who is very interested in genealogy, and with a mother who was adopted, heritage has been important for us. Finding her genetic parents, and their family tree has been very helpful to her in learning more about who she was. A child with a father of unknown heritage may find this difficult. Like half of you is unknown, or unknowable.
However neither of these issues are necessarily specific to artificial insemination. There are many single mums who do an amazing job, whose child knows nothing of their father.
Personally, if I was to go down this route, which is very unlikely due to health reasons anyway, I would prefer to have a child with a friend, maybe a gay man/couple. I would rather the child knew their father to some extent at least. I think it is preferable for the childs sense of self and belonging. I would have no difficulties in not being in a romantic relationship with the child's father, friendship is really preferable, as I think it is more stable for all concerned, no chance of divorce etc. I'm not a fan of IVF anyway, but that is for other reasons.
Anyway, sorry if this is too long, or not helpful.
F/37
07 Jul 2011, 9:00 am
