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Donation

Donor treatment overseas

Donor treatment overseas

Fertility treatment using a donor overseas


If you're thinking about having fertility treatment using a donor overseas, there is a lot you need to consider. Perhaps most importantly is the fact that egg and sperm overseas isn't regulated in the same way as it is here in the UK.

It's important you understand the differences and carry out thorough research before opting for donor treatment abroad..

What are the differences between UK and overseas donors?

The main difference between using a donor in the UK or overseas is that UK donors must consent to providing identifying information about themselves. This ensures that any children born as a result of their donation can find out who their donor is and get in touch when they reach the legal age of 18.

Is donor treatment overseas safe

Is donor treatment overseas safe?

While many people have safe, effective and successful fertility treatment abroad, it is important you do your research. Other countries have different government bodies or laws that oversee their fertility treatments, and these can be different to the laws protecting those undergoing fertility treatment in the UK.

While there is legislation with the EU which sets the standards for fertility treatment quality and safety, not all EU countries implement this legislation.

Can anyone have donor treatment abroad?

Whether you can have treatment carried out in a given country depends on the laws within that country. Unfortunately, there are only a limited number of countries that offer fertility treatment to single women or same-sex couples. If you're considering donor treatment abroad, it's important you research the laws in different countries first.

Can anyone receive donor treatment abroad

What to consider when using a donor abroad

If you are considering using a donor abroad, there are several things to be aware of to ensure it's the right decision for you:

Donor law abroad: If you are having donor treatment abroad, it is important that you understand your legal rights and responsibilities as the biological parent. In the UK, those who donate eggs, embryos or sperm at a licensed clinic, have no rights or responsibilities to any children born as a result of your donation. However, in other countries, this may not be the case. Therefore, you must do your research.

Recruitment and health checks in other countries: When seeking donor treatment abroad, you need to find out what the recruiting and screening process for donors is. All donors should be checked for infectious diseases, and their family history should be thoroughly checked, to ensure they won’t pass on any serious genetic diseases.

Donor anonymity abroad: When undertaking donor treatment abroad, it is important to consider donor anonymity laws as these can vary from country to country. Even when donations are anonymous, you can find out some identifying information about your donor (such as a physical description).

Donor limitations abroad: When considering donor treatment abroad, you may want to check if there are limits on using one donor. In the UK, one donor’s sperm can be used by up to 10 families. This is to limit the number of children with a genetic connection to you. It is important to consider that this may not be the case in other countries and, therefore, your child could be genetically related to many more families.

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