US sperm banks fret about government meddling
(sz) US sperm banks are adamantly opposed to the removal of donor anonymity, despite the risks of genetic disease and unintentional incest, reports LA Weekly, in a fascinating look into the US$75 million industry. The article focuses on California Cryogenics, in Los Angeles, which is run by Dr Cappy Rothman. As the biggest player in the largely unregulated industry, his company’s policies set the pace for his competitors.
At the moment, all records of sperm donors are destroyed after their samples are sold. So it is impossible for mothers or children to become familiar with the father’s medical histories or to know how many siblings they have. The industry fears that if donor anonymity is abolished, no one will donate sperm. Currently, qualified men can earn between US$11,000 to $17,000 by signing up for an 18-month contract. One company, Northwest Andrology, even displays bundles of $100 bills on its website.
In the face of growing pressure to allow donor-conceived children to know who their fathers are, Dr Rothman is prepared to make some concessions. He says that he is trying to coordinate an “industry- wide donor tracking system” which would stop the destruction of records. He still would refuse to release the names of donors. But other companies fear that even these concessions would devastate the industry. more…
From: »BioEdge« (Australia)