Sperm donor wins CSA review

Andy Bathie has been forced to pay out thousands of pounds a year in maintenance for two children after donating sperm to Terri and Sharon Arnold.

But the CSA has now agreed to launch an inquiry after the story was highlighted by the Standard.

The investigation also follows pressure from MPs and child support campaigners who have branded MrBathie's treatment "unjust".

Earlier this month, the Standard revealed how Mr Bathie cannot afford to have children with his wife because of the CSA demands.

The 37-year-old, from Enfield, agreed to act as a sperm donor five years ago after the Arnolds assured him that he would have no financial involvement in the children's upbringing.

He has no legal rights to the boy and girl, aged two and four. But in November last year officials began docking £450 a month from his pay after Terri Arnold, 25, from Clacton, Essex, split up with Sharon.

The CSA is still demanding payments despite the fact that it has emerged that the couple are back together.

The Standard has also learned that both women are earning money from their businesses.

Ministers have drawn up fertility reforms which recognise same-sex couples as the legal parents of children they conceive through sperm donation.

But these laws are not retrospective so they come too late for Mr Bathie, who says he has only met his children a few times.

His MP Joan Ryan has written to health minister Dawn Primarolo asking her to review the Government's proposals, which have yet to be voted on by MPs.

Ms Ryan, a former Home Office minister, said: "I've contacted the CSA to ask them to look at the case and ask for an assessment. Legally the responsibility is his but Andy is in a very difficult situation and I have sympathy.

"Obviously the children come first but there should be some protection for people like him in law."

Men who donate through a licensed sperm clinic are protected by fertility laws. But those who enter into DIY arrangements are still recognised as the legal father.

The CSA said it was unable to comment on individual cases.

But a source said that a review was ongoing and that "any new information" would be taken into account.

It is understood that Terri Arnold, the mother of the children, is classed as a "private" claimant, which means that she is receiving an income.

The case has been taken up by the National Association for Child Support Action which is now lobbying for a change in the law.

Michelle Counley, head of NACSA, said: "This is a very difficult situation which has taken a case like Andy's to highlight but the fact is that these women are living together as a family.

"Same-sex couples quite rightly want civil partnerships recognised but that means they must take responsibility as parents if they have children."

Sharon and Terri Arnold were not available for comment.