A survey of Quebec pediatricians' attitudes toward donor insemination

Inspired by a study done in France, Quebec pediatricians were surveyed regarding their knowledge of children conceived by donor insemination (DI) and their families, as well as their attitudes and opinions about DI. A two-part questionnaire was mailed to all 487 members of the Quebec Association of Pediatricians. One hundred and ninety-seven (40%) responded. Findings indicate that Quebec pediatricians have treated few children conceived by DI and know little about how their families are handling the issue of DI. Most pediatricians favored telling DI offspring about their mode of conception, and almost half stated that such children, at maturity, should have the right to know their biological fathers. Their opinions reflect the growing trend toward openness in adoption and DI.