The risks of unregulated sperm donation: What you need to know

The growing demand for donor sperm has led to an increase in people turning to social media and private arrangements to find a donor. While this might seem like an accessible option, the reality is that unregulated sperm donation carries serious risks—from undisclosed medical conditions to complex legal issues. 

Dr Victoria Sephton, Chief Medical Officer at Care Fertility, warns: 

"The rise of sperm donation through social media highlights the demand for alternative family-building options, but this unregulated space carries significant risks. Without the safeguards provided by a clinic licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), recipients face potential medical, legal, and ethical issues.”

At Care Fertility, we strongly recommend that anyone considering sperm donation uses a licensed fertility clinic. This ensures that donors are properly screened, legal rights are protected, and children have access to important genetic information.

Medical risks: No guaranteed screening

One of the biggest dangers of informal sperm donation is the lack of medical screening. When sperm is provided through a licensed clinic, donors are thoroughly tested for infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis, as well as genetic conditions that could be passed on to a child. 

With unregulated sperm donation, there’s no way to ensure that a donor has been tested—putting both the recipient and the baby at risk.

Legal risks: Parental rights and responsibilities

Many people assume that if they conceive using donor sperm, the donor has no legal rights or obligations. That’s only true for sperm donors registered with an HFEA-licensed clinic. 

With informal sperm donation, there’s no legal protection—meaning a donor could later seek parental rights, or in some cases, be held financially responsible for the child. 

Using a licensed clinic ensures that sperm donors have no legal parenthood, giving recipients peace of mind.

Ethical concerns: The risk of unknown siblings

HFEA regulations limit the number of families that can be created from a single donor (currently up to 10 families in the UK). This helps reduce the risk of donor-conceived children unknowingly meeting and forming relationships with biological siblings. 

Informal sperm donation has no such restrictions. A donor could father an unknown number of children, significantly increasing the risk of accidental consanguinity (biological relatives unknowingly having children together). 

A recent BBC report highlighted a case where one informal sperm donor had fathered over 180 children worldwide, with recipients having no idea how many half-siblings existed. This lack of regulation raises serious concerns about long-term implications for donor-conceived children.

No guarantees on donor fertility

Unlike licensed clinics, where donors undergo comprehensive fertility assessments, informal sperm donation offers no way to verify a donor’s fertility. This opens the door to misrepresentation or exploitation, with some donors offering sperm without any proof of their ability to conceive.

Lack of access to important genetic information

Children conceived using HFEA-registered donors have the right to access their donor’s health and genetic history. When they turn 18, they can also request identifying details about their donor and learn about any genetic siblings. 

With informal donation, none of this information is guaranteed, which could create challenges for the child later in life, particularly if they need medical history details. 

A safer, simpler alternative: Using a licensed clinic 

Some people worry that finding a sperm donor through a licensed clinic is complicated, but in reality, it’s a straightforward and supportive process. Dr Victoria Sephton explains: 

“There is sometimes a misconception that it’s very complicated to get a sperm donor and people don’t want to have to jump through lots of hoops. In reality, it’s actually straightforward and licensed clinics are there to provide safe treatment and offer support to those trying to conceive.” 

Choosing a licensed clinic isn’t just about following regulations—it’s about protecting yourself, your future child, and ensuring the best possible start for your family. 

If you're considering sperm donation, we’re here to help. Contact Care Fertility to learn more about your options and how we can support you on your fertility journey.