Genetic mutation risks from sperm donation prompt international calls for stricter donor limits and better regulation.
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A genetic mutation (TP53) in a donor’s semen caused health alarms in Denmark, affecting 67 children across eight European countries between 2008 and 2015. This highlighted issues with gamete donation regulation internationally. In Spain, Law 14/2006 limits births from one donor to six, but regulations vary globally. Due to concerns over genetic and psychological risks, Sweden proposed an international limit on children conceived by a single sperm donor, supported by several other nations. Experts worry about donors traveling across borders to bypass national limits. While the European SoHO regulation aims to standardize quality and safety, implementation is staggered until 2027. Spain utilizes the SIRHA system to track donors, requiring sample destruction after six live births. Furthermore, a new biovigilance system in Spain mandates blocking a donor upon birth of a child with a Mendelian disease for investigation. While experts consider Spain’s current limit protective, there is ongoing debate about increasing it. Regarding related genetic risks, the possibility of finding genetically related half-siblings increases with more accessible testing. Other countries have different regulations: France allows access to some donor information upon reaching adulthood; Austria restricts use to three couples and mandates certain rights for older children; Greece increased its birth limit and relaxed anonymity rules; and Italy limits donors to infertile couples but faces challenges due to a lack of centralized international tracking.
