Calgary Fertility Clinic Refuses White Patient a Non-White Donor

mentalfloss

Prickly Curmudgeon Smiter
Jun 28, 2010
39,778
454
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Idiots.

Calgary Fertility Clinic Refuses White Patient a Non-White Donor

The Regional Fertility Program in Calgary, Alberta, is making news after denying a white woman a non-Caucasian sperm donor.

38-year-old Catherine (whose name was changed) was shocked to discover that despite finding more ideal qualities in donors of other ethnicities, the Regional Fertility Program (RFP) only allowed her to choose from a narrowed-down list of about 20 Caucasian donors—many of whom had donated to other couples in the area.

But not mixing ethnicities is clinic's policy, as they state on their site that "it is the practice of the Regional Fertility Program not to permit the use of a sperm donor that would result in a future child appearing racially different than the recipient or the recipient's partner." The clinic's administrative director Dr. Calvin Greene stated that they will not provide a program for those "insist" on using a donor of another race. As Jessica Barrett reports in the Calgary Herald:

"I'm not sure that we should be creating rainbow families just because some single woman decides that that's what she wants," he said. "That's her prerogative, but that's not her prerogative in our clinic."

Oh boy. "Some single woman," huh? Not going to lie—I find the visual kind of hilarious: as if all the single ladies who seek fertility resources are merely looking for that perfect shade of baby to go with their Louis V duffels and their rose gold wristwatches—you know baby that says chic and exotic, but is practical at the same time. Anyway, Dr. Greene went on:

Greene said doctors at the clinic feel "a child of an ethnic background should have the ability to be able to identify with their ethnic roots." He added patients should have a "cultural connection" to their donors.

This brings up an interesting conversation given the constantly changing contexts of "culture"—to impress a limited notion of culture and family on someone is worrisome, even if other clinics often automatically set up couples or single women with donors that ethnically resemble them.

At the same time, there is a smaller selection of non-Caucasian donors at that RFP and Greene feels that non-Caucasian patients already have enough trouble finding suitable candidates, a very fair concern. (But it's not like you can "hog" a sperm donor, especially when there is already overlap with Caucasian donors.)

Apparently, RFP has come under fire regarding this issue before—five years ago a white couple approached the clinic looking to use non-Caucasian sperm despite not having fertility issues to begin with. They were turned away. But Greene feels his clinic abides by the Canadian Assisted Human Reproduction Act of 2004 which sought a more woman and child-centered regulation of human assisted reproduction.

Tim Caulfield, law professor at University of Alberta, found the clinic's policy troublesome:

"To assume that the colour of one's skin determines their culture, determines their well-being I think is unfortunate," he said, noting many could argue the Regional Fertility Program is producing designer kids by virtue of its own restrictions.

Children whose ethnicity is different than their parents will "have a different life experience," he acknowledged. But "to assume that these different types of life experiences somehow put them at a disadvantage, or that we have to ensure that everyone has some kind of 'normal' family is, I think, a mistake."

While doctors may maintain their decision to deny matches based on ethnicity, it certainly leaves many families hanging, seeing as RFP is the only fertility clinic in Calgary. Those looking for IVF would have to drive a few hours to Edmonton or fly to Vancouver to seek alternative solutions.

Calgary Fertility Clinic Refuses White Patient a Non-White Donor
 

QuebecCanadian

Electoral Member
Apr 13, 2014
502
0
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When I saw the title of this thread I said "Say whaaaat?" Yeah, it's as ridiculous as it sounds.


Uh someone trying to play "maker"?


"I'm not sure that we should be creating rainbow families just because some single woman decides that that's what she wants," he said. "That's her prerogative, but that's not her prerogative in our clinic."


I say find another clinic.
 

Nuggler

kind and gentle
Feb 27, 2006
11,596
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Backwater, Ontario.
8O" Regional Fertility Program (RFP) only allowed her to choose from a narrowed-down list of about 20 Caucasian donors—many of whom had donated to other couples in the area."

So, 20 donors, many ................IN the area..............Anyone see what might happen.?

Many years from now a couple from the area might get married, who might be brother and sister. ?

Just sayin. No financial interest and I don't care. Hell I liked Deliverance.......eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
 

Grievous

Time Out
Jul 28, 2014
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Whitby
Is this clinic publicly funded?


If it is they have no right to discriminate


If it isn't they have every right to discriminate.
 

Durry

House Member
May 18, 2010
4,709
286
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Canada
What about the donor, does he have any say in matters like this??

Just suppose he donated on the basis that the clinic would donate his sperm as per their policy, and then they change their policy, does he still have a say?? Are they entitled to go back to the donor??
Maybe this issue is not so simple as it first sounds!! Just say'n !!
 

PoliticalNick

The Troll Bashing Troll
Mar 8, 2011
7,940
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Edson, AB
Or abide by the legislation?



This isn't a insurance company.

They should not be allowed to have this kind of policy.

You got a link to that legislation stating people can force a private climit to I'm pregnant them with a bi-racial embryo?

If you get your kid FN Status they're set up and so will their kids be.

Don't be giving ideas out. You're gonna start a stampede by the welfare crew to request a native donor.
 

PoliticalNick

The Troll Bashing Troll
Mar 8, 2011
7,940
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Edson, AB
You are missing the point.

This isn't about what they can do, but what they shouldn't.

You are out of your mind. The doctors/owners of the clinic have made a decision based on their ethics and morals not to put a child in what could be a traumatic situation. It is their clinic and they have a right to have such a policy. I happen to agree with their logic. I'm sure amy couple that wants a baby of a different race they can find a clinic somewhere that will oblige or they can adopt.