Ep. 13 How Regulated Is Sperm Donation, Really?

In this episode of Unfertile and Unfiltered, we dive into sperm donor regulations in the United States and what actually exists versus what people assume exists.After watching documentaries like Our Father and Delivery Man, we break down real concerns around donor conception, including cases of fertility doctors using their own sperm without consent, the lack of legal consequences, and how little oversight there is in the industry.We cover:What sperm donor regulations exist in the U.S. (and what doesn’t)FDA involvement and why it’s limited to disease screeningThe “25 family” guideline and why it’s not a lawHow self-reporting impacts donor limits and trackingThe issue of serial donors and lack of a national registryReal-world examples of donor misuse and legal gapsDifferences between U.S. regulations and other countriesEthical concerns around sperm banks, anonymity, and costWe also share our personal perspective as a couple navigating male factor infertility and considering donor conception, including the realities, concerns, and trade-offs that come with it.This episode is a straightforward look at the current state of sperm donor laws, the gaps in regulation, and what people should understand before going down the donor route.