Sperm shortage hits UK, govt opens sperm bank to help lesbians

A national sperm bank is to be set up in the United Kingdom to meet increasing demand and nationwide donor-shortage. Single women and lesbians who want to have kids using the service would be the greatest beneficiaries

The National Gamete Donation Trust (NGDT), in partnership with Birmingham Women’s Hospital, has been awarded £77,000 by the Department of Health to provide the service, which will start off in October.

Authorities say Heterosexual and same-sex couples will be able to use the service, as well as single women. People from ethnic minority backgrounds will be able to choose from culturally-matched donors.

There is currently a national shortage of sperm donors in the UK, especially in NHS clinics, and as patient numbers continue to rise, treating those who need donor sperm is said to be a major problem.

At present, some patients needing donor sperm are faced with few options and find themselves on waiting lists, having to use unregulated providers or having to stop treatment altogether, the trust said.
It is hoped the bank will reduce the number of patients putting themselves at risk by using unregulated sperm donation services.