The Flemish government has allocated additional funding to the Ancestry Centre, an organisation dedicated to helping individuals trace their biological origins.
The decision, made on Friday by the Diependaele government following a proposal by Welfare Minister Caroline Gennez, recognises the centre’s crucial role. Gennez stated, “Understanding who you are and where you come from is a deep-seated human need and a fundamental right.”
Established by the Flemish government in 2019, the Ancestry Centre assists adoptees and donor-conceived individuals with inquiries about their adoption files and in searching for their biological parents. It also caters to individuals of mixed heritage—children born to Belgian fathers and African mothers during the colonial period—providing valuable information about their ancestry and life stories, as well as psychosocial support throughout the process.
The demand for the centre’s services has increased since 2019. Gennez noted, “In recent years, numerous issues regarding adoption, donor conception, and the mixed-heritage community have surfaced. Each year, hundreds of new cases emerge. People have questions about their origins and deserve answers. As a government, we must take responsibility and offer these individuals the best possible support in their search.”
Amidst the recent sperm donor scandal—where it was revealed that dozens of children in Belgium were conceived using sperm from a donor with a cancer gene—Minister Gennez had already announced plans to bolster the Ancestry Centre. This decision has now been implemented, with an additional €200,000 added to its annual budget.
