The risks of unregulated sperm donation

You may be aware of a recent legal case in the UK, involving a man who claims to have fathered over 180 children in the UK and across the world after advertising use of his sperm through social media channels, such as Facebook and Instagram. The judge has warned prospective parents of the dangers of using an unregulated sperm donor.

When it comes to sperm donation, more men are turning to informal channels like social media groups and online forums. It might seem like a quick, easy and lucrative way to help someone start a family– but donating sperm outside a licensed clinic comes with significant risks, both legal and health-related.

Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of unregulated sperm donation, and why donating through a licensed clinic is the safest, most responsible choice.

Legal parenthood: you could be held responsible

Think donating sperm is straightforward and just a nice thing to do for someone? There’s more to consider. When you donate outside a licensed clinic, you may be considered the legal parent of any resulting children. Unlike donations made in licensed clinics, where donors have no parental rights or responsibilities, informal agreements don’t always offer the same protection.

What does this mean for you?

– You could be held financially responsible for child maintenance.
– You may be named on the birth certificate.
– Donor conceived offspring could have a claim on your estate when you die.
– You could face unexpected emotional and legal challenges if a recipient seeks your involvement later.

Health risks: no screening, no safeguards

Here at NUH Life, we conduct rigorous health screenings to protect recipients and their future children. Sperm donors are tested for infectious diseases like HIV, Hepatitis and genetic conditions.

Unregulated donors, however, bypass these safeguards. This can put recipients, donors and any resulting children at risk of:

– Transmission of serious infections
– Undiagnosed hereditary conditions
– Uncertain sample quality, which could impact fertility success

Emotional fallout: more than you bargained for

Donating sperm through informal channels might seem like an altruistic act or a quick money-maker, but the emotional implications can be overwhelming.

Imagine receiving an unexpected message from an adult who discovered you were their biological and legal parent through at-home DNA testing. Unlike regulated donations, where donor-conceived children have structured access to identifying information after age 18, informal arrangements provide no such clarity or boundaries.

Here at NUH Life we offer mandatory counselling services to all our donors, ensuring they fully understand the emotional implications and long-term impact of donating sperm– so you’ll go into your decision feeling confident and completely informed.

Unregulated = unlimited offspring

The HFEA limits the number of families created per donor to protect the wellbeing of donor-conceived individuals, and avoid accidental relationships between half-siblings.

Unregulated donors face no such restrictions, which can have long-term societal and psychological impacts for both donor-conceived individuals and the wider community.

The consequences?

– Ethical concerns about the number of offspring.
– Greater potential for genetically related children to unknowingly meet in future and have intimate relationships.
– Psychological impacts for donor-conceived children learning they have dozens of biological siblings.

Why licensed clinics like NUH Life are the right choice

Licensed sperm banks and fertility clinics provide:

– Legal protection: Donors have no parental rights or responsibilities.
– Medical screening: Comprehensive health checks ensure safe, high-quality donations.
– Ethical limits: A restricted number of families per donor.
– Counselling: Support for your mental wellbeing throughout.

By choosing a regulated clinic like NUH Life, you ensure your donation is safe, legal and truly life-changing– for the right reasons.

Thinking of becoming a sperm donor? Help create families safely and responsibly. Apply today with NUH Life and be part of something truly special: without the risks of unregulated donation.