Iceland proposes limits on donor gametes and anonymous donors

Iceland’s health minister has proposed limiting the use of reproductive cells from one donor to children in no more than two families, and banning the use of gametes or embryos from donors who wish to remain anonymous, mbl.is reports.

The proposals form part of a broad review of the law on artificial fertilisation and the use of human gametes and embryos in stem cell research. The minister says the two-family limit is intended to reduce the risk of close biological relatives having children together, particularly given Iceland’s small population.

The proposed ban on anonymous donors is framed as a way to protect the rights of people conceived using donated gametes to learn about their biological origins. The article notes that last winter a sperm donor who had fathered nearly 200 children across Europe was found to carry a rare gene that greatly increases the risk of cancer.

The draft would also review the requirement that people seeking fertility treatment together be married or cohabiting. The minister says the change would promote equality and reflect changes in society.