Seanad debates

Thursday, 26 March 2015

Children and Family Relationships Bill 2015: Committee Stage

 

10:30 am

Photo of Fidelma Healy EamesFidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Exactly. That is what I thought. I am talking about donations made here. I do not know if there are other people in this House who have sons aged 18 or 19. I certainly think it would be very wise to let them be as old as possible before they make such a far-reaching decision. It is very little to ask that the age limit be extended from 18 to 21. I will set out what I have learned about how young men are encouraged to donate in other countries. According to what I have heard, they are told they are saving the human race and doing good for their country. I think this is a little disingenuous, to say the least, given that the people in question are just 18 years of age. I assure the House that most 18 year old boys probably have the maturity of a 15 or 16 year old girl. It is interesting that we are saying in this Bill that the woman has to be at least 21. We are allowing sperm to be donated by a really immature boy while providing that the woman has to be at least 21. I think it would be very reasonable to move the age limit for the donation of sperm to 21. This is a massive responsibility for young lads of 18. Of course they are going to be encouraged by money. They have to be aware of the commitment involved. I agree with Senator Cullinane that counselling is vital here. Senator Mullen made the reasonable point that there should be proof that the counselling is independent. The truth is that the donor-assisted reproduction facility has a vested interest. It cannot continue unless it can continue to get people to give the sperm. There will be a comeback in years to come. I would say the greatest comeback might not be for the child who is conceived. It could be for the young lad who gave the sperm when his child reaches the age of 18. If he was 18 when he donated the sperm, he will be just 36 years of age when he realises that his sperm was used to create a young person who is now 18. We need to be really careful about how we proceed here. As I have said previously, life is precious. We should be careful when we are legislating for the conditions in which life is created. I will conclude by asking a question. What types of advertising and information will be allowed to be used by the donor-assisted human reproduction facilities to attract donors?

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