Accessing Medicalized Donor Sperm in the US and Britain: An Historical Narrative

Abstract

Extensive public debate has been held recently about the rights of British lesbians to access medically prepared donor sperm. Public statements by the head of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) indicate that this agency may be preparing to reconsider its objections to the acquisition of donor sperm by lesbians. By examining the evolution of sperm banking in the United States and Britain, this essay considers the consequences of open market versus state control over medicalized sperm for lesbians. It argues that sexuality alone does not determine the ability of lesbians to access sperm under either system and that officially ending the discriminatory practices of the HFEA may not guarantee access for all lesbians.