The following information was provided to the Research Directorate by a professor of sociology at York University in Toronto, specializing on Iran and women's issues, in a letter sent by fax on 30 April 1998.

The clear line of paternity is of paramount importance in Islamic legal and cultural traditions. (Legal adoption does not exist in Islam) Therefore while artificial insemination is practiced in Iran, the semen must be that of the husband. I am not aware of any situation where the use of donated semen is allowed.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching the Information Request.

Professor of sociology, York University, Toronto. 30 April 1998. Letter sent by fax.

In the Eye of the Storm: Women in Post-Revolutionary Iran. 1994. Edited by Mahnaz Afkhami and Erika Friedl. Syracuse, New York: University of Syracuse.

Women Living Under Muslim Laws. 1994. Women's Reproductive Rights in Muslim Communities and Countries: Issues and Resources.

Electronic sources: IRB databases, Global News Bank, Internet, LEXIS/NEXIS, REFWORLD, WNC.