State trying to make sperm donor pay child support

[joeunderdog]

OPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man who donated sperm to a lesbian couple after answering an online ad is fighting the state’s efforts to suddenly force him to pay child support for the now 3-year-old girl, arguing that he and the women signed an agreement waiving all of his parental rights.

The case hinges on the fact that no doctors were used for the artificial insemination. The state argues that because William Marotta didn’t work through a clinic or doctor, as required by state law, he can be held responsible for about $6,000 that the child’s biological mother received through public assistance — as well as future child support.

snip

Marotta, a 46-year-old Topeka resident, answered an ad on Craigslist in 2009 from a local couple, Angela Bauer and Jennifer Schreiner, who said they were seeking a sperm donor. After exchanging emails and meeting, the three signed an agreement relieving Marotta of any financial or paternal responsibility.

snip

The women handled the artificial insemination themselves using a syringe, and Schreiner eventually became pregnant, according to the documents.

more...http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/2013/01/02/state-trying-make-sperm-donor-pay-child-support/eTpX0a5tGGX3KqbUJdIhYO/story.html?camp=obinsite

[rocktivity]

1. Unless it's illegal to inseminate yourself with a syringe without a doctor

What's the problem? And if all three parties agreed that the donor would not be held responsible, who's business is it anyway?


rocktivity

[backtoblue]

2. if the mother tries to get medicaid, foodstamps, etc

then the state automatically goes after the biological father for child support.


I know because when I was a single mom in college I tried to get myself on medicaid to help out. DHS told me that I had to be receiving child support in order to qualify and that they would handle it if I signed up.

Since the father had never paid for anything and did not have a job, I declined to sign up. (no point in him going to jail when his life sucked royally anyways)

So, the state can make a father pay, if the mother tries to get government assistance.

[pipoman]

3. A good and reasonable program should be tempered with common sense.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

4. Because the mother cannot sign away the rights of the child

Been watching this. The crux of the matter seems that they did it without an MD and knew the donor, according to much of what I have read.

[GodlessBiker]

5. The fundamental question is whether it is reasonable to differentiate...

between sperm donors who go through medical facilities and those who donate directly to potential parents who rely on self help.

It's a tough call.