photo by: Stock Photo
Recently, a New Mexico appeals court ruled in favor of making a sperm donor financially responsible for the well-being of his two offspring. The donor was a friend of a couple who willingly provided a donation of his sperm to help conceive a child, and then later another one to the same couple. He became increasingly involved in the children’s lives and essentially developed an ongoing visitation schedule where the children were at his place for weekends. According to the mother, due to this close relationship he began making demands regarding where the children reside and other personal inquiries.
Clearly this is not the typical sperm donor relationship. However, as a result of the overzealous involvement of the donor the children viewed and accepted this man as their father. The mother claimed he was not simply just a sperm donor; he was the kid’s father, and she in turn asked for child support. After an eight year court battle the appeals court granted her request. GMA has more on the story.
Although this situation is somewhat unique, the ruling will definitely have an impact on sperm donor’s involvement with their offspring in the future.
· Do you agree with the court ruling?
· Should sperm donors have to pay child support if they are involved in the lives of their offspring?
· Was the mother justified in asking for financial support for her children?
