HFEA statement: The risks of unregulated sperm donation
The HFEA is concerned about the increasing activity of exploitative or serial sperm donors operating outside UK licenced clinics. Read our statement below.
Clare Ettinghausen, Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs at the HFEA, said:
“We’re very concerned that people are being exploited by serial sperm donors on apps, websites, and social media, who are not only taking advantage of them but are also breaking the law.
“Many of these men already have hundreds of donor-conceived children, and some advertise for sex – described as ‘natural insemination’ – as their way to donate. Although using an unregulated sperm donor might seem like a cheaper option, it is far outweighed by the lifelong consequences, health risks, and costs that could come from it.
“We want to make sure that anyone thinking about sperm donation has all the facts before making decisions that could affect them and any future children.
“We know that there are several reasons why people feel they have no choice but to use an unregulated sperm donor, and we do not blame anyone for doing this.
“The fertility sector is unusual in UK healthcare – most patients fund their own treatment, and single patients and female same-sex couples who have to use a sperm donor are the groups who have the least NHS funding.
“The HFEA website has information about the risks and legal implications of unregulated donation, as well as the benefits of using a HFEA licenced clinic.
“We’d strongly recommend people read through our FAQs, as well as other helpful information on our website, before making any decisions about sperm donation.”
Ends
More information:
- Read our unregulated donation FAQ
- Listen to Clare speaking about unregulated sperm donation at the Women and Equalities Committee inquiry into egg donation and freezing (from 15:43:40)
- Fertility treatment 2023: trends and figures
- Family formations in fertility treatment 2022
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