Heterologous assisted reproduction and kernicterus: the unlucky concidence reveals an ethical dilemma

Secrecy and anonymity related to heterologous assisted reproduction may hide basic newborn data to neonatologists. Secrecy and anonymity are discussed in view of their possible consequences on relational dynamics and on developmental psychology. Nevertheless, they can also involve the offspring's genetic status regarding inheritable diseases. International guidelines have been recently published on this topic. Because no guidelines are 'ideal' unfortunate and possibly dramatic consequences can occur. We aimed to embark on a debate about this matter starting with a real clinical experience. In our case a rarely fatal but widespread disease, together with the lack of knowledge about parental status led, in a fast succession of clinical events, to the unavoidable insurgence of kernicterus.