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30/10/2014
National Sperm Bank Launches In Birmingham
A national sperm bank has launched in Birmingham.
The centre is a collaboration between the National Gamete Donation Trust (NGDT) and Birmingham Women's Hospital, and aims to address the shortage of sperm donors in the UK.
The number of UK-based sperm donors has increased since 2004, but demand has increased at a more accelerated rate. As a result, the US and Denmark have become major suppliers of sperm to women in the UK.
The Department of Health has provided £77,000 to fund the national sperm bank which will be based at Birmingham Women's Hospital. A related campaign by the National Gamete Donation Trust, will also aim to "change the face" of sperm donation, Sky News has reported.
It is understood the new sperm bank will also allow women to choose a donor, according to criteria, while it is hoped up to 1,000 regular donors will be found for the project within three years.
Sue Avery, Director of Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, said: "At present some patients needing donor sperm are faced with few safe options and find themselves on waiting lists of up to five years, or having to stop treatment altogether.
"Not only is the National Sperm Bank going to revolutionise access to donor sperm in this country, its founders are also on a mission to change the face of sperm donation."
Laura Witjens, chief executive of the National Gamete Donor Trust, is quoted as saying: "When people think of sperm donation they often only think about the physical act of producing sperm. Let's face it that can be off-putting and detract from the real issues. We're all set to change that outlook.
"Sperm donors are very special men who are doing something they and their families can be exceptionally proud of. These are men who are doing something life-changing for themselves and for others. It's time to shout about how fantastic these guys are."
(JP/CD)
The centre is a collaboration between the National Gamete Donation Trust (NGDT) and Birmingham Women's Hospital, and aims to address the shortage of sperm donors in the UK.
The number of UK-based sperm donors has increased since 2004, but demand has increased at a more accelerated rate. As a result, the US and Denmark have become major suppliers of sperm to women in the UK.
The Department of Health has provided £77,000 to fund the national sperm bank which will be based at Birmingham Women's Hospital. A related campaign by the National Gamete Donation Trust, will also aim to "change the face" of sperm donation, Sky News has reported.
It is understood the new sperm bank will also allow women to choose a donor, according to criteria, while it is hoped up to 1,000 regular donors will be found for the project within three years.
Sue Avery, Director of Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, said: "At present some patients needing donor sperm are faced with few safe options and find themselves on waiting lists of up to five years, or having to stop treatment altogether.
"Not only is the National Sperm Bank going to revolutionise access to donor sperm in this country, its founders are also on a mission to change the face of sperm donation."
Laura Witjens, chief executive of the National Gamete Donor Trust, is quoted as saying: "When people think of sperm donation they often only think about the physical act of producing sperm. Let's face it that can be off-putting and detract from the real issues. We're all set to change that outlook.
"Sperm donors are very special men who are doing something they and their families can be exceptionally proud of. These are men who are doing something life-changing for themselves and for others. It's time to shout about how fantastic these guys are."
(JP/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 March 2010
Drive For More Sperm Donation
Calls have been made for more British men to donate sperm to help those suffering from fertility problems. The National Gamete Donation Trust (NGDT) said it needs to reach a minimum target of 500 donors this year to help couples in need. At present only 384 men are on the UK sperm donor register.
Drive For More Sperm Donation
Calls have been made for more British men to donate sperm to help those suffering from fertility problems. The National Gamete Donation Trust (NGDT) said it needs to reach a minimum target of 500 donors this year to help couples in need. At present only 384 men are on the UK sperm donor register.
20 April 2010
Could Donating Your Organs Pay?
Financial incentives are being explored as a means to increase the number of UK organ donors. A consultation has been launched on how the number of organ donors can be increased ethically. One suggestion is providing financial incentives, including the payment of funeral expenses.
Could Donating Your Organs Pay?
Financial incentives are being explored as a means to increase the number of UK organ donors. A consultation has been launched on how the number of organ donors can be increased ethically. One suggestion is providing financial incentives, including the payment of funeral expenses.
21 September 2005
‘Glowing green’ sperm to aid fertility research
A technique which makes sperm glow fluorescent green could be used to aid research into male infertility, scientists have claimed. Scientists at Oxford University say that have found a way to introduce a synthetic gene – or transgene – directly into a normal, live animal, in such a way that the gene is expressed in mature sperm.
‘Glowing green’ sperm to aid fertility research
A technique which makes sperm glow fluorescent green could be used to aid research into male infertility, scientists have claimed. Scientists at Oxford University say that have found a way to introduce a synthetic gene – or transgene – directly into a normal, live animal, in such a way that the gene is expressed in mature sperm.
26 January 2005
Department of Health encourages egg and sperm donation
A campaign by the Department of Health is urging British men and women to donate sperm and eggs to help couples with fertility problems have children. The 'Give Life, Give Hope' campaign will target men aged between 28-45 and women aged between 28-35.
Department of Health encourages egg and sperm donation
A campaign by the Department of Health is urging British men and women to donate sperm and eggs to help couples with fertility problems have children. The 'Give Life, Give Hope' campaign will target men aged between 28-45 and women aged between 28-35.
11 November 2004
Consultation on sperm donation is launched
As part of a comprehensive review by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), a public consultation on sperm, egg and embryo donation has been launched today.
Consultation on sperm donation is launched
As part of a comprehensive review by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), a public consultation on sperm, egg and embryo donation has been launched today.
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