Donor Conception: Documentaries

Last update: Sept 15/09

• Bio-Dad (by Barry Stevens, donor offspring)
A man born of artificial insemination searches for his biological father & also takes us into the controversial world of making babies through science instead of sex. Often forgotten in the rush to the future are the rights or needs of the children. Stevens documents the emerging political battle for the rights of those offspring to know their genetic origins - which has resulted in a ban on anonymity of donors in several countries and an angry backlash elsewhere.

• Brave New Family (by Alison Motluk, freelance journalist & broadcaster)
Sperm donation has proven to be a Pandora's Box. The vast majority of donor dads do not want to be found. In rare cases, some children are seeking and finding their donor &/or half-siblings. Motluk explores the complex portrait of the brave new family. (Order CD.)

• From Here To Maternity (by Alison Motluk, freelance journalist & broadcaster)
For decades men have donated sperm for baby-making. But in recent years egg donation has become a growing business and concern. Moms-in-waiting can purchase tourism packages to the Czech Republic or pay a university student in Boston for her eggs. Science journalist and IDEAS contributor Alison Motluk deconstructs the new motherhood. (Order CD.)