Iceland proposes limiting each donor’s reproductive cells to two families

Iceland is considering limiting the use of reproductive cells from any one donor to children in no more than two families, mbl.is reports. The proposal is intended to reduce the risk of close biological relationships in a country with a small population.

The measure is included in draft amendments to laws governing assisted reproduction and the use of human reproductive cells and embryos in stem cell research. The drafts have been published for consultation, according to a notice on the government’s website.

The proposals would also review the requirement that people undergoing assisted reproduction together be married or cohabiting. The notice cites equality and the need to reflect changes in society. The drafts also address service quality and safety, equality, and donor-conceived children’s right to learn about their origins.

Anonymous donations of reproductive cells are currently permitted. The notice says the rules should be reviewed in light of donor-conceived people’s right to information about their biological origins. Such information may also be important as more genetic diseases are identified and traced among relatives.

Other issues for review and consultation include the legal ban on embryo donation and the licensing system for assisted reproduction services. Under current law, the Ministry of Health authorises healthcare institutions to provide assisted reproduction, while the Directorate of Health generally licenses healthcare operations.