The anonymous donation of occytes in Europe. Problems to the discourse about donating life

Abstract

The European Union has no competencies concerning assisted reproductive techniques and this has resulted in regulatory diversity throughout Europe, in particular on oocyte donation and its anonymity. Given this diversity and the free movement of people, services, goods and capitals within the common European space, the so called reproductive tourism has increased and become widespread. Spain has become a preferred reproductive destination for this purpose due to its permissive legislation and the availability of donated gametes, especially oocyte. This article identifies different arguments used to legitimize the donation of gametes, and oocytes in particular, and the need for anonymity, meanwhile, problems about its altruistic character and the possible exploitation of women, put under question the discourse about donating life.