A Kansas man who donated sperm to a lesbian couple is now being forced
to provide
child support for their three year old daughter. According to the
Huffington Post, W.M. answered an ad for a sperm donor on Craigslist from A.B. and J.S.
Before he donated his sperm, they all signed an agreement that relieved
him of any paternal responsibilities, financial or otherwise.
Problems arose after the couple split and A.B., formerly the primary provider,
became ill and couldn't work anymore. To get health insurance for
their daughter, the couple filed with the state. The state in turn demanded
that the sperm donor provide child support because he was legally responsible
in the state of Kansas. He and the couple had not gone through a doctor
to handle the artificial insemination so the state did not recognize the
agreement that had absolved him of paternity. The Kansas Supreme Court
ruled in the case of K.M.H in 2007 that unless a sperm donor worked with
a licensed physician, he could be considered the father. The law was enacted
as an incentive for donors and mothers to work through a doctor.
Though many say that the law seems clear, W.M. is requesting that the case
be dismissed. The spokeswoman for the Kansas Department of Children and
Families says that it is state routine to check for the child's paternity
to see if he can provide child support. This is to lessen taxpayer's
involvement. At least 10 other states also have requirements for sperm
donors to work with doctors. If you find yourself seeking child support
or being unlawfully pursued for child support, then you need to
contact a Tampa family law attorney from the
Law Offices of Manuel Fajardo. Their legal team can provide the effective legal strategies necessary
to protect your rights.