Sperm Donation in New Zealand
Sperm donation in New Zealand is based upon respect for both the sperm donor and the couple or person receiving the sperm donation.Under the New Zealand system sperm donors cannot remain anonymous and are not paid.
However, sperm donors can make certain stipulations about the types of families that their sperm can go to.
Obviously this can cause real problems for single women and lesbian couples. The donor can expressly prevent his sperm from going to either group.
Also, all couples must spend a mandatory 12 months of "trying" for a baby, before they seek fertility treatment. This poses a bit of a dilemma for lesbian couples.
One such couple - Sarah and Kim were told this by their doctor on their first visit to see about fertility treatment.
Fortunately their doctor saw the humorous side of this and wrote to the fertility clinic to assure them that they had been trying for a year.
However, in another instance a lesbian friend was asked at every appointment whether her husband would be joining her. So it is not always plain sailing.
Those receiving treatment can read a detailed family history and background on the donor and have the option of their child being able to contact the donor once the child reaches 18.
As the system in New Zealand is similar to the current UK system (no donor anonymity and no direct payment) both countries are experiencing a shortage of donors.
There are currently only 46 active donors in New Zealand as a whole, with 170 women on the waiting list for a donor.
Read the full story at: 3news.co.nz