General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: As Transplants Expand To Faces And Genitals, Ethical Questions Arise [View all]wonkwest
(463 posts)A few months ago, my best friend approached me with the idea of being the sperm donor for a child. She and her husband have recessive genes that give their own biological offspring a 25% chance of contracting a fatal genetic disease.
I had to think very hard about the question. While she had no expectation of any responsibility on my end (the husband would legally adopt the child and I live across the country from them), I felt a certain responsibility. It's hard to articulate, but the idea I was responsible for bringing a life into the world weighed very heavily. I ultimately declined. Some people can do it no problem. I'd feel a burden in the back of my mind if I'd gone through with it. I'd feel responsible towards the child.
Being adopted, there's also issues of ancestry and medical history. I met my biological family and had those questions answered. That's also important for me.
But everyone is different. Some people probably wouldn't mind it in the slightest.