[Secrecy and anonymity in gametes donation].

In France, gamete donation is based on some fundamental principles such as anonymity, gratuity, and solidarity. In Europe a trend appeared for a removal of anonymity. This paper highlights the reasons for this removal of anonymity, and consequences for the donor's offspring, the gamete donor, the infertile couples. In particular, an examination of practice shows that removing the anonymity of gamete donation favors maintaining the secrecy of the circumstances of the conception, resulting in inefficiency of the law. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.