Transmission beyond genes: remarks on gamete donation in various cases of paternity

Résumé 0

Since the 1970s, new medically assisted reproduction techniques have been available to provide a solution to male infertility. As these changes took place, new cases of infertility have been emerging since the 1990s at sperm and oocyte banks (cecos) in France, as with transgender men. These new forms of parenting call on us to think out the issues involved in access to parenthood without biological filiation. Three clinical cases of men involved in a sperm donation were selected by the authors of this article to study and challenge the parenting process relating to transmission. These clinical cases demonstrate the interest in focusing on the reasons behind gamete donation. Sperm donation may well require new thinking in terms of transmission issues in relation to the family mythology. The authors insist on the need to devote attention to the singularity of such clinical meetings in view of the creativity of the unconscious adjustments observed.