Ms Paula Fagan:

The Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 retrospectively allows for anonymous donation simply because that has happened. Up to very recently, much of the donor sperm came to clinics that had offered only anonymous gametes. It is a question of legislating for the children who already exist, regardless of whether they fit the parameters we want for the future. Anonymous donation has to be considered retrospectively but prospectively it is possible to set out clear protections for the child's right to identity. Not recognising the parents of the child who already exists does not do the child any favours regardless of whether they know the donor or not. That is a layperson's perspective.