Honoring Ancestral Wisdom: Understanding Natural Insemination Donor Contracts
When we approach new situations and challenges, it can be beneficial to look at them through the lens of respected and time-honoured traditional wisdom. Drawing upon the values of our ancestors can help to gain insight into our behaviours, situation choices, and interactions with others. When considering the process of contracting with a natural insemination donor, the example of the Waitaha tradition of New Zealand can provide us guidance in areas that may not have previously crossed our minds.
For the Waitaha of today, their cultural traditions and teachings are of deep significance and meaning. They play an influential role in the values and perspectives that multi-generational groups have now, and hold a respected place within culture. We can see the value of harmony and peace exemplified in a natural insemination donor contract. For the Waitaha, there are deep values attached to the concepts of: “arohanga, manaakeaka, and manaaki.” These concepts mean respect for ourselves, respect for our family/village (community) and respect for the world around us, and have been passed down from the ancestors.
The importance of respect is a principal foundation for the Waitaha people. A similar concept is demonstrated in the need to maintain respect for all parties involved in a natural insemination donor contract. When contracting with a natural insemination donor it is important to be respectful towards your chosen donor. As well, it is necessary to remain considerate and respectful towards the families (and often the personal views) of your chosen sperm donor.
When you are receiving assistance from a natural insemination donor, it is important to have a legal document that protects the best interests of all involved. A natural insemination donor contract is designed to deal with the complexities that can arise from an artificial insemination procedure. These complexities include: maintenance of familial relationships, responsibilities for the potential child (including financial and caregiving), and any types of discrimination or prejudice that may arise.
Contractual agreements are important at multiple levels. There can be significant impacts if there is ambiguity about the agreement- resulting in lasting impact to your personal life in areas such as; family structure, stability, and social norms. Clear agreements can ensure everyone understands the expectations and intentions behind the natural insemination, allowing for a more streamlined process.
Contracts were consistently found to maintain respect for both sides, while keeping strong family and community ties. This was thanks to several factors: awareness of full intentions by all, clear documentation of expectations, and a mutually beneficial outcome of respect, care, and support. Sperm donation is a complex and often very personal experience for everyone involved, and the party seeking the assistance of a sperm donor typically understands that the donor is giving a significant amount towards assisting in the continued growth of their family. This reciprocal understanding has been maintained by traditional codes of conduct, outlined in the very practice of sperm donation and insemination.
Just as there are various factors to consider when middle men announce their new lifestyle choices or urgings for moderation, there are also parameters and boundaries that are set out in commercial insemination procedures. Likewise, written contracts have been traditionally used to safeguard parties and have facilitated consent to potentially difficult circumstances. Contracts have allowed individuals to maintain control over the subsequent events and outcomes. This reflects the teachings of manaakeaka, where everyone involved maintains a respectful relationship with one another, and recognizes that contributing to the wellbeing of others brings benefits for everyone. Essentially, it is a win-win situation when a suitable contract is in place.
In modern day, we can continue to take some cues from these ancestral models. To this day in New Zealand, sperm donation is often arranged in a way that is comfortable for all involved. So, new parents can be confident knowing that their offspring will not face the same questions and prejudices that may have previously arisen. Instead, everyone knows everyone else, and there remain appropriate boundaries and respect as a focus during the entire process. All parties know their roles and remain supported and protected by their legal documentation.
In addition to following the processes of traditional models, it is a significant benefit to also document the insemination agreement in writing. This is especially the case when choosing a donor as an adult or adolescent male who has the decision-making capabilities and/or consent ability. The Waitaha people still recognise the importance of recording these agreements, so that the intentions behind the donation are kept sacred. This allows for the maintenance of authenticity between the sperm donor and recipient of his services.
