Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Darzi of Denham (Labour) on Monday, 22 October 2007.

Human Tissue and Embryos Bill (Draft)

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What consideration they have given to the view of the Joint Committee on the Human Tissue and Embryos (Draft) Bill that denying the existence of a biological father on birth certificates ““involves the authorities and we are deeply concerned about the idea that the authorities may be colluding in a deception””; what importance they attach to the presence of a father in the upbringing of a child; and what consideration they have given to the long-term psychological and social implications of denying to a child that a father was involved in their conception.

Answer: We gave careful consideration to all the Joint Committee's recommendations, including reviewing the argument that the fact of donor conception should be registered on a person's birth certificate. Our conclusion is that rather than forcing the issue in this way, it is preferable for parents to be educated about the benefits of telling children that they are donor-conceived. We are discussing the way forward with the Donor Conception Network. We recognise the role played by fathers in their children's lives. In the context of the draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill we have carefully considered whether research evidence supports the continued reference in primary legislation to a duty on clinicians to give specific attention to the need for a father when considering the provision of fertility treatment. Our conclusion is that the factor of prime importance is the quality of parenting, that the reference to the need for a father should be removed from primary legislation but that the general duty for clinicians to take account of the welfare of the child should remain.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5514; 695 c83-4WA
Session: 2006-07
Subjects: Donors IVF Fathers Parents Registration of births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Legislation: Draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk