PollenTree

Australia considers limits to sperm donation

Australia is considering new rules to limit the number of children that sperm donors can father.


Sperm donor risk
Though the risk of donor conceived siblings marrying each other is remote, the issue does cause concern for some people.

In New South Wales a sperm donor can help up to five families. However some IVF clinics and sperm banks have been criticised for breaching these limits. Also, a donor can simply leave the state of New South Wales and go elsewhere in Australia and start again.


Australian sperm donor register
A national sperm donor register has been proposed as a way to get around this. However, there are already problems with finding sperm donors and IVF Australia is now launching an online campaign to increase the number of donors.


IVF cycles and donated sperm
According to IVF Australia each year 300 to 400 IVF cycles use donated sperm for artificial insemination or IVF.  "We're trying every approach to find the right kind of man because not all men are suitable," states IVF Australia director and fertility expert Professor Peter IIlingworth.

Read the full story at: adelaidenow.com.au