Should Bionormativity Be a Concern in Gamete Donation?

This article examines the ethical debate surrounding the removal of donor anonymity in gamete donation, focusing on the tension between donor-conceived individuals' expressed desires to know their genetic origins and concerns about reinforcing harmful bionormative attitudes—norms that prioritize genetic relatedness as essential to family identity. It critically analyzes the "Illegitimacy View," notably defended by philosopher Inmaculada de Melo-Martín, which argues that the desire for genetic knowledge is grounded in biased assumptions and that removing anonymity may perpetuate bionormativity without effectively addressing its harms. The article challenges this view by highlighting the acute psychological harms donor-conceived individuals experience due to anonymity policies, the limited evidence that maintaining anonymity reduces bionormativity, and the importance of respecting donor-conceived individuals' preferences in policy decisions. Ultimately, it advocates a middle-ground position that supports removing donor anonymity to alleviate immediate harms while continuing broader societal efforts to critique and reduce bionormative pressures.