Nobody's Child, Everybody's Children:

Shirley Pratten, RN

Shirley Pratten is one of Canada's primitive voices advocating for offspring rights and calling for national reform of the country's sperm donation system. Shirley first appeared in a CBC National News short with her former husband in 1985 that highlighted the psychosocial impacts of having a child through anonymous donor conception within a system that encouraged secrecy and deception about disclosing their child's true origins.

Since that time, as Media Spokesperson for a key stakeholder group (The New Reproductive Alternatives Society) she has been a relentless lobbyist in taking an ethical stand on the Human Rights and Social Justice issues for offspring to know their full genetic and medical heritage. She continues pressing for an end to anonymity and promotes following the lead of other countries who already have successful open donation systems.

Immersed in Canada's legislative process, she commenced with presentations before the Royal Commission in the early 90's, government consultations through Bill C47, Bill C56, Bill C13 and presentations to the House of Commons and Senate Committee prior to the passage of Bill C6 in April 2004.

Shirley remains a tenacious advocate who continues to keep the children and adults conceived through NRT'S at the centre of the debate. Her deeply felt lived experience as the mother of a child conceived through D.I. is at the root of her activism.