You have the right to donate your sperm or ovum (gamete) which may be later used in artificial reproduction for persons who cannot conceive a child themselves.
Donation & Private life
Your right to donate your sperm or ovum (gamete) is closely linked with your right to make freely any decisions regarding your body and your physical integrity. Therefore, the right to donate your gamete is a part of your right to a private life.
Conditions
If you have freely made a decision to donate your sperm or ovum and this corresponds to conditions set by law, you may choose the most suitable medical institution in which to undergo the donation procedure. This medical institution will retain the donated gametes.
You must belong to a certain age group to donate your gametes:
- a man between the age of 18-40 years
- a woman between the age of 18-35 years
The state of your health will be examined before the donation.
Donation agreement
Before the donation procedure, you will have to conclude a specific agreement with the medical institution in charge of the donation process.
Woman has the right to revoke her consent for the use of her gametes and prevent them from being used for artificial reproduction at any time before the artificial reproduction procedure has begun.
Artificial reproduction
Donated gametes will be used in artificial reproduction for persons for whom it is difficult or impossible to conceive a child. Until that time your sperm or ovum will be retained in a gamete donor bank.
Restrictions on the use of gametes & Destruction
There are certain restrictions on the use of donated gametes:
- gametes must not be used for commercial purposes
- a maximum of six children may be born from six different mothers using gametes from the same donor
Anonymity & Data protection
The personal data of a donor shall not be disclosed upon artificial insemination, except in the case where the ovum donor is a relative of the woman who wishes to undergo artificial insemination. Read more about your personal data protection.
Your identity will not be disclosed to the prospective parents, except for information on your anthropometric data, which cannot reveal your identity. You will also not be able to obtain any information about the people who have chosen to undergo artificial reproduction using your gamete. The need to protect the secret of a donor’s identity also prohibits anyone involved from filing a request to determine the donor’s paternity or maternity.