Ethical Issues of Sperm Donation as Component of Assisted Reproductive Technology

Abstract

Sperm donation has nowadays become a common method of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Ethical issues concerning sperm donation have been considered and discussed by government and non-governmental agencies, the public, media and academic institutions in several countries. Recommendations and guidelines concerning sperm donation vary from country to country and between professional groups within countries. Several ethical issues have been debated including disclosure and non-disclosure of sperm donors, anonymity and non-anonymity of donors, age requirements for donors, minimizing risk of infection and genetics from sperm donors, limiting the number of donor offsprings, etc. Ethical principles must respect the interests and welfare of persons, who will be born, as well as should consider the health and psychosocial welfare of all the participants, including sperm donors. The present review highlights different such ethical issues governing sperm donation as a measure to alleviate pain and sufferings of childless couples.