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The dark side of sperm donation

© Copyright LexisNexis 2026. All Rights Reserved.
25 July 2025 / Aysel Akhundova
Issue: 8126 / Categories: Features , Family , Child law , Health , Health & safety , Regulatory
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Unregulated practice risks turning the dream of parenthood into a legal nightmare: Aysel Akhundova sets out the far-reaching & costly consequences
  • Unregulated sperm donation bypasses the protections of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008, exposing families to legal disputes over parenthood, lack of medical screening, and potential health risks.
  • Children born through unregulated arrangements may lack access to vital genetic information, while parents face ongoing anxiety due to legal uncertainties and absence of enforceable agreements.
  • This article advocates for stronger regulation, public awareness, and improved access to licensed fertility services to mitigate the growing risks of the unregulated sperm donation market.

Beneath the surface of increased accessibility to parenthood lurks a hidden danger—the rise of unregulated sperm donation. A quick internet search reveals numerous platforms where individuals can find sperm donors online, with some offering their ‘services’ for free, including both artificial insemination and natural conception arrangements. Family lawyers would gasp at this development, as we are well aware of the profound legal implications. Yet for many desperate to have a child

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