IVF children entitled to know genetic parents

WHEN a human ovum is fertilised, the embryo (zygote) is a human person with all the genes and chromosomes necessary for life.

This embryo has human rights, including the right to life. No one has the right to experiment with or destroy that life.

During childhood and adult life, that person has the human right to discover who its parents are and those who are really responsible for its welfare and education. Donors of ova and sperm should be made aware of their responsibility to any child produced by them.

Children born by IVF, once they have learned who their genetic parents are, should also be informed whether any hereditary diseases have been transmitted to them.

To prevent mass destruction of human embryos and a minefield of litigation between children and their genetic parents, IVF should be halted until the legal implications are fully understood.

Patrick K Fitzgerald

Shanid

Model Farm Road

Cork