reproduction. In a diverse society like New Zealand, moral pluralism needs to be acknowledged. Ethical and policy arguments Family relationships It can be argued that it is important to obtain partner consent as reproductive decisions are made in the context of family relationships. This is because any current, ongoing or future relationships between a donor, recipients and any resulting children may affect the donor’s partner and any existing or future children of their relationship. Autonomy However, situations may in which a partner could have more influence over the use of a donor’s gametes than the donor themselves. For example, if the consent of partners is required, a partner may give consent to the donation but then withdraw their consent so the process cannot go ahead. The Code takes the position that autonomous individuals have the right to make their own decisions about the services they receive. Because individuals have autonomy over the use and disposal of their gametes, a partner’s consent should not be required. jurisdictions There is no international consensus on whether a gamete donor’s partner should be required to consent. In the United Kingdom, although partner consent is not required if the donor is married, in a civil partnership or in a long-term relationship, the involvement of partners is encouraged. ACART’s conclusion and reasoning ACART concludes that the consent of a partner, family or whānau should not be a requirement for gamete donation. While it will always be good practice to involve a partner in decision-making, we consider that individuals should have autonomy over their own gametes. Our position on this matter is that fertility service providers should recommend to donors that their partners be involved in the counselling process, but the involvement should not be mandatory. Valuing a person’s autonomy does not necessarily equate to unqualified individualism. This is particularly relevant in of the differing emphases given to individualism versus communitarian values, especially for Māori.
reproduction. In a diverse society like New Zealand, moral pluralism needs to be acknowledged. Ethical and policy arguments Family relationships It can be argued that it is important to obtain partner consent as reproductive decisions are made in the context of family relationships. This is because any current, ongoing or future relationships between a donor, recipients and any resulting children may affect the donor’s partner and any existing or future children of their relationship. Autonomy However, situations may in which a partner could have more influence over the use of a donor’s gametes than the donor themselves. For example, if the consent of partners is required, a partner may give consent to the donation but then withdraw their consent so the process cannot go ahead. The Code takes the position that autonomous individuals have the right to make their own decisions about the services they receive. Because individuals have autonomy over the use and disposal of their gametes, a partner’s consent should not be required. jurisdictions There is no international consensus on whether a gamete donor’s partner should be required to consent. In the United Kingdom, although partner consent is not required if the donor is married, in a civil partnership or in a long-term relationship, the involvement of partners is encouraged. ACART’s conclusion and reasoning ACART concludes that the consent of a partner, family or whānau should not be a requirement for gamete donation. While it will always be good practice to involve a partner in decision-making, we consider that individuals should have autonomy over their own gametes. Our position on this matter is that fertility service providers should recommend to donors that their partners be involved in the counselling process, but the involvement should not be mandatory. Valuing a person’s autonomy does not necessarily equate to unqualified individualism. This is particularly relevant in of the differing emphases given to individualism versus communitarian values, especially for Māori.