Olivia Pratten, BA

Olivia Pratten is a recent graduate from UBC who was conceived through anonymous sperm donation 25 years ago. For the last 10 years she has been a candid advocate for change in the area of reproductive technologies.

 

She has been a speaker and panellist at numerous conferences and government consultations during the Canadian legislative process including the Standing Committee on Health and the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, prior to the passage of Bill C6 in April 2004.

 

A member of an international offspring organization, she continues to collaborate with researchers, remaining informed of current regulative schemes and developments in NRT'S around the world and their effects on the resulting children born.

 

Olivia was recently featured in the CBC documentary "Genetic Orphans." Over the years her national and international involvement with the media covering these issues has nurtured her longstanding desire for a career in journalism. Currently completing an internship at Global National, she is due to enter Grad School in the fall.

 

This presentation will focus on her desire to know her biological father, and why the Government and new Reproductive Agency must take immediate action to preserve all records residing in sperm banks and Doctor's offices out of health, safety and respect for this generation as well as implementing a new system for the next.