An inevitable consequence of Louise's birth was the development of sperm banks. IVF can help people with various problems. For many, although the sperm and the eggs are individually healthy, something prevents the egg fertilising. But for some couples, the problem is not the egg but the sperm, be it a low sperm count, low mobility or whatever. In these cases, the couple may have to look elsewhere for a sperm donor.
Many donors give their sperm for financial reasons, others simply out of philanthropy.
Now the Department of Health has agreed to look into ways of giving thousands of test tube children the legal right to track down their natural parents. A Department of Health spokesman said a consultation paper paving the way for changes to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act is set for publication in the next few months. Their rights have to be protected too. People already give for altruistic reasons and now they are going to be hammered for it. The proposals are due for publication this autumn, but it is understood they will not apply retrospectively.