A SWOT analysis of unregulated sperm donation

In the past decade, an unregulated system of sperm donation has developed in parallel with the formal system of fertility clinics and sperm banks. In the present paper, a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) is presented of this new development. The most important strength of the informal system is the demedicalization of sperm donation and thus the increase of women's reproductive autonomy. The main weakness seems to be the possibility of abuse and morally questionable behaviour on the part of donors. Most other reported disadvantages are based on a comparison with the formal system. A closer look, however, reveals that most of these disadvantages (no ability to limit the number of offspring per donor, no genetic testing or verification of information) also exist in the formal system. The informal system has a bright future, as regulators tend to impose ever more restrictions on institutional sperm banks, thus increasing the medicalization and costs for the users. Relaxation of quality and safety measures, flexibility in rules regarding the relationship between donor and recipient, and cost reduction in the formal system would be the main threats to unregulated sperm donation.

Automated summary

In the past decade, an unregulated system of sperm donation has developed alongside formal fertility clinics and sperm banks. This paper presents a SWOT analysis of this new development. The informal system's main strength is the demedicalization of sperm donation, increasing women's reproductive autonomy. The main weakness is the potential for abuse and morally questionable behavior by donors. However, many of the reported disadvantages, such as no ability to limit offspring or genetic testing, also exist in the formal system.