The right of the child to know one's origins in the context of assisted reproduction GUK

GUK 2026

The right of the child to know one's origins in the context of assisted reproduction

Number of the project:  UK/1231/2026

Principal Investigator:  Mgr. Patrícia Fiamová

The proposed research project focuses on the right of the child to know his or her origin in the context of assisted reproduction as one of the contemporary challenges of family law. The right of the child to know his or her origin represents a legitimate interest of every child in having access to information concerning his or her own genetic origin, which forms an integral part of the child’s identity. Human identity constitutes the foundation of an individual’s personal development and is closely linked to the respect for human dignity. The right of the child to know his or her origin acquires particular significance in situations where there is a discrepancy between biological and legal parenthood. As a result of the dynamic development of biomedicine and reproductive technologies, methods of assisted reproduction involving donated gametes (eggs, sperm and embryos) provided through anonymous donor programmes have come to the forefront. The project specifically examines the impact of assisted reproduction on the realisation of the child’s right to know his or her origin, particularly in relation to donor anonymity, the recording of biological origin and the child’s access to information about his or her genetic background. The aim of the project is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the legal framework governing the right of the child to know his or her origin at the national, European and international levels, with particular regard to the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. The expected outcome of the project is the identification of practical application problems and the formulation of de lege ferenda proposals aimed at strengthening the protection of the child’s right to know his or her origin and enhancing legal certainty in the field of assisted reproduction