In a way I think its sad and I believe that the UK should have a National Sperm Bank. I'm not much into discussing politics, but to me 77k is a drop in the ocean when it comes to NHS area's of wastage.
There are couples out there who could benefit and end up going overseas, the alternative is what? A turkey baster and unscreened donor?
I used to work with someone who loved her husband dearly and they longed for a child. In the end they were fortunate to adopt but that was after many many long years on a waiting list. I'm certain that they are far from an isolated case.
Perhaps what needs looking in to is why just 9 donors came forward. Should there be a better recruitment drive... or is the following part of the problem:
The change in the rules in 2005 means children conceived using donor eggs or sperm will be able to trace their biological parent in the same way as children who are adopted
I believe records should be kept for health and medical reasons. However, could some men be deterred if there's a possibility that 18yrs down the line some one could end up knocking on their door? I don't know how that part works, but it is strange that organ donation and transplantation is entirely anonymous and although at times there has been contact this has to be at the wishes of both parties.
The amount of egg donors also reduced after 2005, I don't have any hard figures to back up what Im saying because I haven't particularly searched for them other than what came up on the first return which simply said since that date, fewer new donors have registered and there is a shortage as demand has increased and that 1300 women every year are treated with donated eggs.
The process for sperm donation is so much simpler than egg donation and I think its a shame that only 9 men have registered.
