Sperm donors in U.K. could soon be paid for their efforts
January 19, 2010
Worries over the amount of sperm being made available to those waiting for fertility treatment could see the U.K. begin to offer financial incentives to possible donors. In 2005 the government made payments for sperm illegal as well as removing a sperm donor’s right to anonymity. This led to a fall off in donations. The government’s Health, Fertility and Embryology Authority (HFEA) said that it will review its policy on donations. Lisa Jardine, the authority’s chairwoman said that because of the situation with a lack of donation over the last few years it might be useful to have another look at the rules for reimbursing those who give sperm.
In Scotland the shortage of sperm has caused the length of time some couples are waiting for fertility treatment to almost treble. The lengthening of these waiting lists has caused some to fear that couples who cannot have children in the traditional way may opt to go abroad for treatment. Experts warn that couples who do this may not get the support they would if they had the treatment on the NHS.
Donor coordinator at the Aberdeen Fertility Centre, Lorraine Stewart explains that the shortfall of sperm used to be made up by having supplies shipped in from a clinic in London. However this agreement has come to an end and she is cautiously backing the idea of offering to pay for donations. She points out that the financial incentives should not be too high because those who donate sperm should still think seriously about the consequences.
Related Posts
Comments
Advertisement
