The document discusses the ethical implications of late discovery adoption, where people learn about their genetic origins later in life rather than at birth. It provides accounts from several women who discovered they were adopted later in life, and the profound feelings of shock, disbelief, betrayal and identity crisis they experienced. Late discovery can undermine people's sense of intrinsic trust from childhood and cause long-lasting harm to their personal identity, relationships and moral values. It also discusses the implications for people conceived through sperm or egg donation who may discover their genetic status as an adult.

1. Fourth Australian International Conference on Motherhood The Mother: Images, Issues and Practices Helen J. Riley PhD Candidate Queensland University of Technology, School of Humanities & Human Services, Applied Ethics Intrinsic trust and mothering: the ethical implications of the late discovery of knowledge of genetic origins A tree with branches but no roots stands on shaky ground

2. “ Deceit and violence – these are the two forms of deliberate assault on human beings”. Bok, S. (1989). Lying: moral choice in public and private life . New York: Vintage Books.

19. Beth, 27, lesbian and considering motherhood using donor sperm at time of discovery “ It’s weird to have a thing about you that should matter, but doesn’t, except it might, but you never know. How much of who I am comes from a man I’ve never met?”