Partner consent for sperm donation

The current practice of demanding the consent of the spousefor sperm donation is analysed. Three aspects of marriage maybe involved: (i) sexual exclusivity and adultery, (ii) familycomposition and (iii) procreational exclusivity. The differentjustifications for giving the partner the right to participatein the decision-making process are critically scrutinized. Theperspective taken in this article is that the transfer of gametesmust be understood and situated within the moral framework ofthe relationship between donor and partner. Depending on thekind of relationship the donor has with his partner, he maybe morally obliged to consult his procreational partner. Ina close relationship, all decisions concerning the use of one'sreproductive faculties should be joint decisions. However, itis not the task of the clinic or the physician to see that donorshonour their agreements and commitments. The clinic should notseek the partner's consent, although in the counselling sessionsit should be pointed out to the donor that he may have a responsibilityto inform his partner and to confer with her on his donation.