Human Reproduction, Vol 13, 771-775, Copyright © 1998 by Oxford University Press
H Lyall, GW Gould and IT Cameron
Gamete donation in assisted reproduction is an accepted treatment option
for certain infertile couples. Traditionally, men donating spermatozoa have
been paid a nominal fee, whilst women donating oocytes have not. The issue
of payment for sperm donors has recently attracted attention following the
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority's (HFEA) suggestion that such
payment may be withdrawn. Prior to the final meeting of the HFEA working
party which is examining this issue, here we report the results of a survey
designed to solicit opinion on whether sperm donors should be paid, to
identify social or other factors which influence this opinion, and to
examine the influence of financial incentive on potential donors. We
surveyed 717 individuals in three distinct groups: the general public,
students (potential donors), and infertility patients (potential
recipients). The majority of the potential donor group (students) was in
favour of paying sperm donors, as were infertility patients. In contrast
the general public was not. The opinion of the general public on this issue
was influenced by their prior knowledge of whether donors were paid: those
of the general public favouring the payment of sperm donors had a prior
awareness that such payments were made. Although not in favour of paying
sperm donors, the general public overwhelmingly approved of the use of
donated spermatozoa for the treatment of infertile couples, and thought
that ways should be sought to increase the availability of donor
spermatozoa for the treatment of infertility and for research purposes.
Within the potential donor group (students), the majority indicated that
financial reward was an important factor which would influence their
decision to donate spermatozoa. As the majority of both the potential
recipients and potential donors feels that sperm donors should be paid,
perhaps the views of these groups should carry significant weight when the
decision whether or not to withdraw payment is taken. This is especially
the case in view of the fact that the majority of the general public is in
favour of the use of donated spermatozoa for the treatment of infertile
couples.
ARTICLES
Should sperm donors be paid? A survey of the attitudes of the general public
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, UK.
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