As of October 1st, sperm and egg donor compensation in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland has been raised, with sperm donors now earning up to £45 per clinic visit, up from £35.
Additionally, egg donors will see their compensation increase significantly from £750 to £985 per donation.
These payments are intended to cover expenses such as travel and accommodation, as it remains illegal in the UK to pay donors directly for their sperm or eggs.
Sperm donation typically involves weekly clinic visits over a period of three to six months.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the UK fertility regulator, has emphasized that becoming a donor is a complex decision, requiring donors to undergo rigorous medical screenings.
Importantly, any child conceived through donation has the legal right to contact their donor once they reach the age of 18.
The increase in compensation comes at a time when the UK is grappling with a shortage of egg and sperm donors.
While the HFEA acknowledges this issue, it cautions against viewing donation as a financial opportunity, highlighting the long-term implications for donors, recipients, and any children born from the donations.
One donor, referred to as “Joseph,” noted that the previous £35 compensation did not adequately cover his time and travel expenses, but he stated that his primary motivation for donating was to help others.
He welcomed the increase to £45 per visit, recognizing the importance of balancing fair compensation with the need to avoid creating financial incentives for donors.
However, not everyone is in favor of the rise in compensation.
Groups like Surrogacy Concern, which opposes any form of payment for gametes, argue that it undermines the altruistic nature of donation.
Founder Helen Gibson criticized the exchange of money for gametes, stating that young people’s bodies should not be exploited for the benefit of wealthier individuals.
To address the ongoing sperm shortage, the UK imports sperm from other countries, primarily the US and Denmark.
Nicole Nel, operations manager at the London Sperm Bank, believes the shortage is more related to the low quality of applicants rather than a lack of interest in donating.
She indicated that lifestyle factors might be affecting sperm quality and noted a shift in the donor profile over the years.
While students once dominated the donor pool, today’s donors are typically more informed about the implications of their decision, rather than being primarily motivated by financial gain.
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