Overseas donors and family planning: what parents should consider

Children law specialist Jade Quirke comments on the challenges this raises for families, highlighting the legal, medical, and emotional considerations that require careful thought. 

While donor conception can offer the hope of building a family, understanding these challenges is vital - especially given the differences in regulations between countries and the potential long-term implications for children and families.

The situation - in which a sperm donor who fathered nearly 200 children across Europe was found to carry a rare cancer-causing gene mutation, putting many of his children at high risk of developing cancer - highlights the importance of understanding the risks when conceiving with an overseas sperm donor, where regulations can differ significantly.

In the UK, strict rules limit a donor’s sperm to no more than 10 families, which is a safeguard designed to reduce these complex outcomes. However, these limits do not apply universally. The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology recently suggested a limit of 50 families per donor. Whilst this would not eliminate all risk of passing on rare genetic diseases, it would help reduce the likelihood of donor-conceived children having numerous unknown half-siblings worldwide and the potential emotional and psychological impact of discovering that late in life.

Our family and children law team helps families navigate the complex legal and emotional landscape of donor conception and international fertility treatment, ensuring that both parents and children are fully protected.

There is no universal legislation governing donor conception, so knowing how UK law fits with your plans, and who will be your child’s legal parent(s) at birth, is essential.

This is a deeply personal decision that comes with many logistical, financial, and legal considerations, and taking the time to seek expert advice can help protect your family’s future.