Public opinion reinforces call to reopen debate on donor anonymity - HARRIS

11.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 9th Nov 2006

As the BBC reveals the results of a poll conducted as part of their fertility season which show that only 25% of the public support the recent ending of anonymity for sperm donors, Dr Evan Harris MP, a former hospital doctor and member of the Commons Science and Technology Committee which conducted an influential report into Human Reproductive Technologies and the Law which considered this issue, called for the issue to be reopened to debate.

Dr Harris, who is the Liberal Democrats Science Spokesman, said:

"The decision to end donor anonymity was foolish and misguided because it will increase secrecy, and has reduced access to infertility treatment as fewer donors are coming forward. Today's poll shows that the Government doesn't even have public support on its side - it is time to look at the issue again."

Many clinics are being forced to turn childless couples away as they face an acute shortage of sperm samples for insemination.