What could possibly be wrong with helping an infertile couple have a child? As it turns out, according to contemporary philosopher David Benatar,* anonymous gamete donors are doing something wrong. Why think that this is the case?

First, people are generally responsible for raising the children that result from their gametes. We have reproductive autonomy, which means that we can choose whether or not to reproduce, that we have rights to the children we create, and that we also have responsibilities for them. This autonomy extends over our bodies, including our gametes.

Second, these responsibilities include not only basic care, but also closely attending to the child's development and growth. Parents don't just owe food, shelter, medical care, and some love, but they ought to heavily invest time and energy into the well-being of their children. This is what good parents do. These responsibilities are significant. Gamete donors don't abandon these responsibilities, but they do transfer them to others. And this is where a problem comes into the picture.