Ministers have delayed a decision on whether children conceived using donated sperm will be able to find out the identity of their biological fathers.

Health Minister Hazel Blears has announced plans to allow these children to find out more about donors, including their physical appearance, occupation and interests.

However, she said further talks were needed before she could make a decision on waiving anonymity.

Today's proposals are a step in the right direction Suzi Leather, HFEA

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, which regulates fertility treatment, had pressed for a change in the current rules. Critics warned the move could discourage donors from coming forward.

Further discussion

But speaking at the HFEA's annual meeting in London, Ms Blears said a decision would not be made for at least six months.

"We agree that there is a strong argument in principle for children conceived using donated sperm, eggs or embryos being able to find out the identity of their donor," she said.

"However, we believe that this sensitive area needs further consideration and debate."

She added: "We are especially concerned about the possible effect on donor numbers of removal of anonymity."

Ms Blears pledged a decision within six months

Ms Blears indicated that the government may consider establishing a voluntary contact register to enable children and donors to get in touch if they wish.

She said a pilot scheme would be established to assess the likely interest in such a system.

In the meantime, the government is to change existing laws to enable children conceived using donated sperm after 1990 to be allowed to request information about donors when they turn 18. This would not include any identifying details.

Suzi Leather, chair of the HFEA, said: "Clearly we are disappointed that the government feel we can't move to an open system now but today's proposals are a step in the right direction.

"We understand that this has been a difficult consultation and understand the problems surrounding any decisions being made."

Mixed reaction

Clare Brown, executive director of CHILD, the national infertility support network, said she was in favour of the voluntary register.

"It gives society time to change their views and provide a more staggered system of implementing new regulation," she said.

Rupert Rushbrooke, director of Bloodlines, a pressure group campaigning for the rights of children created by sperm donation, accused Ms Blears of backtracking.

"The government was clearly ready to remove the secrecy in donor conception, but their decision has very obviously been vetoed by the medical profession.

"If donor conception were done openly people would soon see the damage that is done to the men and women created in this way. The doctors know this and that is why they have blocked the proposals."

Nuala Scarisbrick, of the pro-life charity LIFE, said: "The whole business of sperm donation, where children are reduced to commodities is wrong and the fact that resulting children never know their biological fathers compounds this.

"Children have a right to know their biological background for medical and emotional reasons. Protecting sperm donors' anonymity encourages the view that fatherhood is to be undertaken lightly."

The Liberal Democrats accused ministers of bungling the issue. Health spokesman Dr Evan Harris said: "Many people who are calling for children to be able to identify their genetic parents will be angry that the government appears to have significantly backtracked. Ministers must now explain their decision properly."