There are still shortage of sperm and eggs in the UK. Many couples are seeking fertility treatment abroad. The head of the UK fertility watchdog warns
of complications and risks by visiting such clinics abroad. If something goes wrong, filing a complaint afterwards will be useless.
Telegraph: Couples warned of dangers in fertility
tourism
28/04/2006
Couples seeking fertility treatment abroad should carefully consider the risks and complications involved, the head of the UK fertility watchdog said
yesterday. Shortages in egg and sperm donations exacerbated by new laws removing the right to anonymity for donors in Britain have led to a
substantial increase in "fertility tourism".
We have heard of some clinics which offer treatment to patients that is so dangerous that it has been banned in the UK - for example implanting five
embryos which significantly raises the chance of multiple pregnancy - the biggest risk of IVF for both mothers and babies. "It is very sad when we
receive complaints from patients about their treatment abroad and we are not able to help or reassure them. "We would urge patients to think twice
and consider the risks and implications before going abroad for treatment."
The HFEA warned those couples thinking of going abroad that while the authority regulated standards and safety at UK clinics, it was powerless to do
so in other countries.
"The shortage of egg and sperm donors has led to unacceptably long waiting lists in some areas."
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Why don't they allow anonymous donors? It would solve many of their problems. I guess they will have to call for some more viking sperm ships
instead...
