BFS Calls For National Infrastructure To Improve Sperm Donor Recruitment In UK, National Gamete Donation Trust Response

Main Category: Fertility
Article Date: 14 Nov 2008 - 2:00 PST

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Laura Witjens, Chair of the National Gamete Donation Trust said: "It is of great concern to the National Gamete Donation Trust that current inefficiencies and inconsistencies in sperm donor recruitment and management mean that patients are not given the best chance. Our experience is that dedicated potential sperm donors are lost on a regular basis because of insufficient care or lack of access.

The implementation of a national framework of sperm donation services, as recommended by the BFS and the Working Party, could potentially increase the number of sperm donors by 35%. In combination with regular public awareness campaigns, this bold proposal may well bring an end to sperm donor shortages in the UK.

We welcome the recommendations of the BFS and the Working Party and applaud them for their vision. The NGDT now calls on the Department of Health and the sector to support this proposal so both donors and patients receive better and more consistent care throughout the UK."

This report is published in Human Fertility 2008, 11(3), 147-158. DOI: 10.1080/14647270802170174. The findings of this report are also presented as an editorial in this week's British Medical Journal, 2008; 337: a2318.

The National Gamete Donation Trust provides clear and practical information for those considering becoming an egg or sperm donor but also for health professionals and those requiring treatment with donor eggs or sperm. For more information, visit http://www.ngdt.co.uk

Source
Rebecca Ramsden
http://www.endocrinology.org