Chapter 8
Ryan faced the decision two days later.
Fairmont offered limited cooperation.
They would produce all records specifically involving Mara.
Nothing broader.
In exchange, Ryan and Natalie would keep donor identities sealed and avoid seeking information about unrelated cycles.
Natalie refused immediately.
Ryan’s lawyers wanted him to consider it.
“This gives you answers about Mara.”
“I already know I’m her father.”
“It tells you how.”
“I know enough.”
One attorney sighed.
“Ryan, broader discovery could expose your donor history.”
“I know.”
“You may discover additional biological children.”
“I know.”
“Families may identify you.”
“I know.”
“You have no automatic parental obligations merely because of anonymous donation, but litigation varies by facts and jurisdiction.”
“I know.”
“Your privacy is gone.”
Ryan looked toward Mara through the glass wall of Rebecca’s office.
She was drawing beside Lily.
Two children who had become sisters before most adults had finished reading the contracts.
Ryan turned back.
“If Fairmont used my samples after withdrawal, those families have a right to know what happened to them.”
His attorney said:
“That is a moral position. I’m asking about legal strategy.”
“Then write down the moral position too.”
Rebecca placed the authorization before him.
Ryan would waive donor anonymity for the limited purpose of investigating unauthorized post-withdrawal use.
He would allow independent reviewers to compare his donor code across archived Fairmont cycles.
Affected patients would be contacted through neutral counsel rather than by Ryan personally.
No public list.
No forced introductions.
No media disclosure unless legally necessary.
Still, there was no meaningful way to take the decision back once families were notified.
Emily sat beside him.
“Are you sure?”
Ryan looked at her.
The question carried more than paperwork.
Opening the records might produce more Maras.
More disruption.
More consequences for their marriage.
“No.”
He signed anyway.
Natalie signed her authorization separately.
Independent forensic review began.
Within forty-eight hours, Fairmont notified its insurer.
Within seventy-two, Dr. Hale hired separate counsel.
By the end of the week, three old employees had contacted Rebecca asking whether they could speak confidentially.
One brought a spreadsheet.
At the top:
May you like
Priority Donor Inventory — Restricted.
Ryan’s donor code appeared on it seventeen times.
