Is sperm or egg donation legal in my country?

The legal situation varies greatly from country to country and is indeed very complex. In some countries, sperm donation is legal, but egg donation not. Things get even more complicated when it comes to the implantation of eggs or sperm in the clinic. Some countries, such as Spain, Denmark or Cyprus, entice foreigners with liberal laws, while others, such as Switzerland, are extremely restrictive. In some countries, fertility treatments are available to all (singles, heterosexual couples, lesbian/gay couples) and regardless of the desired future relationship to the offspring (release of donor identity or not). In other countries lesbian/gay couples, married couples with large age difference or even singles are excluded from fertility treatments.

What is certainly legal everywhere is “sperm delivery by natural means” – means intercourse, because in this case there are no restricions. That is why we have added the option “Sperm delivery is also possible by natural means” as one of the options under “Delivery procedure”. Also because some recipients – mainly singles – may indeed prefer “the natural way”, since no medical facilities are involved. As always, all details of the arrangement are between donor and receiver only, and no one, neither SafeReproduction nor the government, needs to know details.

It is best to first choose the country where the donation will take place and then google for legal requirements, sperm/egg banks and clinics. If you need help, contact us.

Donating breast milk is usually legal, but you still need to check the specific regulations in your country.
Inquiries related to breast milk donation in Italy: