This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Sperm or egg donors soon may be required to provide their medical histories to give to children conceived through artificial insemination.

"That now is not the case," Rep. Dixon Pitcher, R-Ogden, told the House Health and Human Services Committee on Thursday.

The committee expressed general support for the concept, but voted to hold the bill to allow tightening of its wording.

It now calls for donors to provide their "medical history." Members asked that wording be refined so that only personal information that could affect propensity for diseases — such as cancer or diabetes — be provided.

Pitcher said the bill was suggested by a constituent who discovered as an adult that she was conceived by artificial insemination. She said she attempted but could not obtain the medical history of her biological father.

The bill would require future donors to provide such genetic and medical information. It would allow children to request it from fertility clinics once they are 18 years old.

The bill still allows donors to remain anonymous, but also allows them to say they are willing to reveal their identity if the child later seeks it.

— Lee Davidson