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Sperm donor recruitment in the UK
Author(s) -
Pacey Allan
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the obstetrician and gynaecologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1744-4667
pISSN - 1467-2561
DOI - 10.1576/toag.12.1.043.27557
Subject(s) - sperm , sperm donation , sperm bank , gynecology , infertility , ethical issues , lesbian , male infertility , medicine , andrology , pregnancy , biology , psychology , genetics , engineering ethics , engineering , psychoanalysis
• The use of donor sperm in assisted conception is an important treatment option in cases of male factor infertility. • In the absence of a male partner, single and lesbian women can use donor sperm to achieve a pregnancy. • Assisted conception using donor sperm is highly regulated under UK law and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority keeps a register of donors and donor‐conceived people.Learning objectives:• To understand the current UK framework of conception assisted by donor sperm. • To understand the complexity of sperm donor recruitment and screening. • To appreciate the current shortfall in the number of donors and the impact this is having on treatment in the UK.Ethical issues:• How can we increase the number of sperm donors in the UK? • Is it ethical to pay sperm donors? • Is it ethical to import sperm from overseas in cases if not enough donors can be recruited in the UK?Please cite this article as: Pacey A. Sperm donor recruitment in the UK. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2010;12:43–48.