What is the religion of the sperm?
THE ASIAN AGE (July 2003)
By Skimmy Gupta
Infertile couples normally resort to new reproductive technologies like IVF vitro -fertilisation (test-tube baby) or ICSI (intra cytoplasmic sperm injection) available in Mumbai which have a fairly high success rate. However, Gynecologists and infertility experts reveal that out of every 10 infertile couples adopting IVF; at least 2 prefer donor of their religion and others need donors who match their choice of sex, colour, physical characteristic, genetic composition etc. They add that since donors are kept anonymous,couples must understand these reproduction techniques mainly resort to chance and not preferences.
Dr Hrishikesh Pai, consulting gynecologist & Infertility Specialist at Lilavati Hospital, Bandra has treated many childless couples through successful implemention of these modern reproduction techniques told The Asian Age “There have been instances wherein people show their preferences towards religion. I was shocked when a patient couple wanted a catholic donor. After lot of counseling, the couple agreed to have a general donor. We also faced a similar problem in a Muslim case, as they wanted a Muslim donor. It’s not possible to get donors of a particular caste or religion. What can be the religion of a sperm? Couples going for IVF process must not be biased on any such preferences of caste, religion and gender and follow a practical approach. It is advisable if people maintain their biased opinion, they can resort to adoption.”
Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, Babies and us clinic- Infertility hospital, Opera house mentioned two case studies on condition of anonymity wherein infertile couples wanted donors of their choice.
A Parsi couple had come for IVF process having major sperm problem; they were adamant to have a Parsi donor. We tried our best but it was not possible. And the dejected husband refused IVF process for his wife saying that its better not to have a baby.
Yet another shocking case was of vegetarian Hindu family wherein couple insisted on having a vegetarian donor.
She added, “The reason for such preferences is more genetic in nature as they feel donor not of their choice will not adjust to their family. But even educated couples forget that a child adopts that family environment in which he grows irrespective of caste or religion.”
Dr.Hitesh Parikh, medical director, Shruti nursing home - centre home for human reproduction, Bandra feels “We have come across many people who give religion a preference and other factors. It is obvious, as they have grown with certain social norms.Many couples have shown interest in having baby of gender of their choice. But we refuse to do so; but we look for donors who could match physical characteristics of the couple. Some also demand donor must be known to hospital, educated and free of diseases.”
DONOR PREFERENCES
Religion
Colour
Vegetarianism
Education
Disease-free
Genetic factor
Known donor
Physical characteristics
Married women with one child
“We make sure young women called donors are specially screened for AIDS and Hepatitis. However, married donors with children are preferable, as they have established their ability to bear children. Egg donation is a safe, effective, successful, legal, ethical and socially acceptable method of advanced reproductive technology.” adds Dr.Pai
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By Skimmy Gupta
Infertile couples normally resort to new reproductive technologies like IVF vitro -fertilisation (test-tube baby) or ICSI (intra cytoplasmic sperm injection) available in Mumbai which have a fairly high success rate. However, Gynecologists and infertility experts reveal that out of every 10 infertile couples adopting IVF; at least 2 prefer donor of their religion and others need donors who match their choice of sex, colour, physical characteristic, genetic composition etc. They add that since donors are kept anonymous,couples must understand these reproduction techniques mainly resort to chance and not preferences.
Dr Hrishikesh Pai, consulting gynecologist & Infertility Specialist at Lilavati Hospital, Bandra has treated many childless couples through successful implemention of these modern reproduction techniques told The Asian Age “There have been instances wherein people show their preferences towards religion. I was shocked when a patient couple wanted a catholic donor. After lot of counseling, the couple agreed to have a general donor. We also faced a similar problem in a Muslim case, as they wanted a Muslim donor. It’s not possible to get donors of a particular caste or religion. What can be the religion of a sperm? Couples going for IVF process must not be biased on any such preferences of caste, religion and gender and follow a practical approach. It is advisable if people maintain their biased opinion, they can resort to adoption.”
Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, Babies and us clinic- Infertility hospital, Opera house mentioned two case studies on condition of anonymity wherein infertile couples wanted donors of their choice.
A Parsi couple had come for IVF process having major sperm problem; they were adamant to have a Parsi donor. We tried our best but it was not possible. And the dejected husband refused IVF process for his wife saying that its better not to have a baby.
Yet another shocking case was of vegetarian Hindu family wherein couple insisted on having a vegetarian donor.
She added, “The reason for such preferences is more genetic in nature as they feel donor not of their choice will not adjust to their family. But even educated couples forget that a child adopts that family environment in which he grows irrespective of caste or religion.”
Dr.Hitesh Parikh, medical director, Shruti nursing home - centre home for human reproduction, Bandra feels “We have come across many people who give religion a preference and other factors. It is obvious, as they have grown with certain social norms.Many couples have shown interest in having baby of gender of their choice. But we refuse to do so; but we look for donors who could match physical characteristics of the couple. Some also demand donor must be known to hospital, educated and free of diseases.”
DONOR PREFERENCES
Religion
Colour
Vegetarianism
Education
Disease-free
Genetic factor
Known donor
Physical characteristics
Married women with one child
“We make sure young women called donors are specially screened for AIDS and Hepatitis. However, married donors with children are preferable, as they have established their ability to bear children. Egg donation is a safe, effective, successful, legal, ethical and socially acceptable method of advanced reproductive technology.” adds Dr.Pai
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Labels: Medical
posted by Skimmy @ June 11, 2008
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