London Sperm Bank’s Commitment to Transparency: Clarifying Donor Origins and Codes

Clarifying Donor Information at London Sperm Bank

We understand that a recent newsletter from an independent, non-regulated website has raised questions about the transparency of donor origins at London Sperm Bank (LSB). The claims made in this newsletter, which are not supported by any academic or medical official authority, suggested that LSB might be altering donor codes in a way that obscures the origins of sperm obtained from other banks. We want to reassure our recipients and potential parents that these claims are inaccurate and do not reflect our practices.

As a facility licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), LSB operates under strict guidelines to ensure compliance, transparency, and the safeguarding of all parties involved. We take our responsibilities seriously and would like to clarify how we manage donor codes and traceability:

How We Handle Donor and Catalogue Codes

At LSB, each donor is assigned a unique Donor Code, which they are informed of. Recipients, on the other hand, are provided with a Catalogue Code, which is the code displayed on the donor's profile on our website. This distinction is made to ensure that both donors and recipients have their identities protected throughout the process, in line with the HFEA’s privacy guidelines.

For traceability and regulatory compliance, both the Donor Code and the Catalogue Code are registered on the HFEA’s official database, PRISM. However, as per HFEA regulations, these codes are never disclosed to the other party. This means that donors do not have access to their Catalogue Code, and recipients are not given the original Donor Code. This separation is in place to protect the privacy and anonymity of both parties, ensuring adherence to ethical and legal guidelines.

Transparency in Donor Origins

In the past, when LSB imported donor sperm from overseas due to national shortages, we made this information transparent by clearly indicating the donor's origins on our profiles. This ensured that anyone selecting an overseas donor was fully informed. Although we no longer import sperm, some imported samples may still be available on our catalogue from time to time, and we continue to provide clarity about their origins on our website.

If you have used samples from an overseas donor and would like to know your donor’s original code, you can contact our customer service team, and we will be happy to provide this information.

Maintaining Compliance with HFEA Guidelines

As an HFEA-licensed clinic, LSB strictly follows these guidelines to maintain the highest standards of privacy and ethical conduct. These practices ensure that all parties involved in the sperm donation process—donors, recipients, and donor-conceived individuals—are protected and can have confidence in the integrity of our service.

Our Commitment to Open Communication

We are dedicated to sharing as much information as regulations allow. If you have any questions about your donor—whether they were locally recruited or imported—we encourage you to reach out to us. We aim to be as transparent as possible within the legal framework, ensuring you have all the information you need for your journey.

If any recipient who has ever purchased from London Sperm Bank is unsure about the origin of their donor samples, we invite you to contact us directly. Our customer service team will be more than happy to assist you and provide any details we are able to share. Please reach out to us at lsbcustomerservice@londonspermbank.com.

Why We Follow HFEA Guidelines

The HFEA guidelines play a crucial role in ensuring the privacy, safety, and well-being of all parties involved in the donor conception process. By following these guidelines, we ensure that:

• Donor-conceived individuals have the opportunity to access identifying information about their donor when they reach 18, enabling them to connect with their genetic origins in a respectful manner.
• We prioritise the privacy and rights of donors, recipients, and their children, carefully adhering to the rules around donor codes and the sharing of information.

While we understand that some individuals feel passionately about connecting with genetic relatives, these guidelines are designed to provide the best possible outcomes for all families using donor-conceived services in the UK.

Understanding the Difference Between UK and Overseas Donors

It's important to note that donors who have donated outside the UK are not initially regulated by the HFEA guidelines, as the HFEA is a UK governing body. Although all overseas sperm samples must meet HFEA standards upon entering the UK, the original donation process abroad may not always follow the same requirements as those in place for UK-based donations. For example, recipients can request the original donor bank code for overseas donors, which is not an option for donors who have donated within the UK. This distinction is due to the different regulations that apply outside the UK, and we want to ensure our recipients are fully informed about these differences to avoid any confusion.

Our Commitment to You

At LSB, we pride ourselves on our transparent practices, adherence to the highest standards, and unwavering commitment to our recipients. We want to emphasise that we do not hide any information. Instead, we work diligently within the legal framework to provide you with as much clarity as possible. Our goal is to support you in building your family, and we welcome any questions or concerns you may have along the way.

We hope this message reassures you of our dedication to transparency, ethical practice, and compliance with UK regulations. If you have any further questions or require more information, please don't hesitate to contact our team. We’re here to support you every step of the way.