NORMAL LIFE: Fertility: Sensibility vs. Equality

Finland is a well managed and very efficient country. Considering its geographical location, and the harsh winters associated with that, and possessing one of the world's hardest languages, Finland has come a long way since its day's under Sweden and, later, Russian occupation.

People are highly educated, mostly to degree level. Nearly everyone under 40 years of age speaks perfect English. One drawback to Finnish society, however, is it's obsession with equality. Ironically, Finland is the only place where I have personally been subjected to INEQUALITY, but most likely that's because I am a foreigner in their territory.

Let me give you an example of how I think the government has taken equality too far. We turn to the issue of fertility treatment. Now, I am not against the provision of fertility treatment for couples who have tried to conceive, but have been unsuccessful. However, a band of women (including lesbians, apparently) have requested that the conception of a children should be assisted by the State.

Apparently, the Finnish government has endorsed a bill for a law on fertility treatment which does not consider the personal circumstances of the woman receiving treatment. As a result, single women and those in lesbian relationships are eligible for such treatment. When I read about this for the first time, my jaw dropped open in shock. I was shocked that a nation's government would even spend time engaged in such a debate which, in effect, encourages and supports single parenthood. Ah-hah, but therein lies the conflict between sensibility and equality. If married couples can receive such treatment, so should single people and lesbians apparently.

Most shocking is one Minister who suggested that such treatment be limited to treatment for 'couples consisting of a man and woman'. To an extent, I agree with this statement. However, he was voted AGAINST 9-3!!

I have spoken to two Finns about this and they both confirmed that, yes, it's an equality issue and that everyone has a right to have a child. A friend of mine in the UK didn't have an issue with lesbian couples getting such treatment, but expressed concern over single women having the right to get themselves pregnant with the support of the State with the possibility of claiming every possible welfare benefit as a single mother thereafter.

I'm like 'hello'? Encouraging single parenthood is downright wrong! Also, when you're gay like I am, you sort of come to terms with the fact that the likelihood of having biological children of your own is close to zero and that remaining childless is very much part of the territority. Bree expressed his concern for the offspring of such treatment, suggesting that bullying might be more likely for the child of parents who happen to be of the same sex.

If fertility treatment is be granted equally for straight couples, single women and lesbians, what rights do gay men have? Can I visit the doctor and claim that I'm a single man and would like to have a child to care for so, could you provide a surrogate mother with some eggs and I'll provide the sperm? Oh, spare the thought!