In Malta, a country that has been reconsidering its laws on egg and sperm donation and surrogacy, the Commissioner for Children recently stated that egg and sperm donation should remain banned in the country. It’s a strong recommendation—and one that we believe should be heeded. What’s particularly refreshing about this situation, however, is that it’s the Children’s Commissioner that is speaking out.

The Office of the Children’s Commissioner is tasked with promoting the best interests and welfare of children. By intentionally severing children from their biological ties, the practice of egg and sperm donation undermines their welfare. These children long to know and be known by their biological parents, to have access to their medical histories (which includes vital, sometimes lifesaving information), and better understand their origins.

Too often the practice of egg and sperm donation is focused solely on the desires of the parents and how much they want to have a child. But the children are the ones most affected by it and often have few allies in their corner. It’s great news that an entire government office is speaking out on their behalf—and the tiny nation of Malta is setting a big example that the rest of the world would be wise to follow.

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Christopher White, Ramsey Institute Project Director