In Spain, the donation of gametes is characterized by the total anonymity of the donors, which is a privilege for countries in which the identity of donors can be disclosed such as the United Kingdom. In recent years, Spain has become a leader in Reproductive Tourism. The anonymity of donors in assisted reproduction, and the cost of treatments (which are cheaper) are two of the main reasons that lead more foreign patients to choose our country as a destination for fertility treatments.
Anonymity of sperm and egg donors
Article 5 of Law 14/2006 on Assisted Human Reproduction techniques of Spanish legislation states the anonymity of donors’ gamete – egg and sperm donors -. The article specifies that the donation is always anonymous and the assisted reproduction clinic will ensure the confidentiality of donor’s data.
The donors sign a contract with the clinic in which their privacy is ensured. It is a contract that specifies that both – donor and recipient – will maintain this anonymity. By signing the document, the donors agree to have been informed by the clinic about the purposes and consequences of donation.
Specification on donors’ gametes anonymity
The recipients of eggs or sperm, and the children born through this technique, have the right to know the general information on the donors without including their identity. However, donors’ identity can be disclosed to the recipients, as established by Spanish legislation, in extraordinary circumstances that entail a certain danger to the life or health of the child, and such disclosure is essential to avoid danger.
Egg donors: what are the main requirements to select the donor?
Medical and psychological tests. In EVA Clinics, all donors are subjected to strict medical screenings through interviews and clinical analysis required by law, which certify their physical and psychological health. Moreover, it is essential to know the medical history of the donor, in order to rule out genetic, congenital or hereditary diseases.
- Maximum phenotypic similarity. To select the ideal donor for the recipient, aspects such as race, height, and skin tone or eye color are taken into account. These data are included in a file which is then considered at the time of searching maximum similarity between the recipient and the donor.
- Blood group type. The blood group is another element which is taken into account. We try to find a match with blood groups, although it is not an essential requirement.
