Sperm donation in the UK offers a legally regulated path to parenthood for heterosexual couples, same-sex couples and single women. This article examines the legal framework as of 30 May 2025, clarifies medical standards, explains the process at licensed clinics, and provides a comprehensive overview of maintenance law, tax law and inheritance law in relation to sperm donation – with particular attention to private models such as RattleStork.
Statutory Framework: Who is permitted to donate and receive sperm?
The permissibility of sperm donation in the UK is strictly regulated:
- Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (HFE Act): Establishes the legal framework for assisted reproduction and donor conception, amended by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008.
- HFEA Regulations: Licensed clinics must meet HFEA standards for donor screening, record-keeping and patient safety.
- Donor Register: Donor details are held on the HFEA Register; donor-conceived people may request non-identifying information at age 16 and identifying information at age 18.
Private donation outside a licensed clinic carries a risk that the donor may be deemed the legal father, with full parental rights and obligations.
Who can access sperm donation services in the UK?
- Heterosexual couples: where the male partner has fertility issues.
- Same-sex couples: both partners may be recognised as legal parents (shared motherhood for female couples) when treatment is provided at a licensed clinic.
- Single women: may undergo treatment alone without restriction.
Marital status and sexual orientation are not criteria for access to treatment, though local NHS funding may impose additional requirements for publicly funded cycles.
Medical Safety: What screening is performed?
Donors undergo rigorous screening before approval: tests for HIV, hepatitis B/C, syphilis and chlamydia; genetic screening (e.g. cystic fibrosis, thalassaemia); and psychological evaluation. Samples are quarantined for at least six months pending repeat testing. These standards apply to licensed clinic donations; private arrangements do not guarantee equivalent safety.
Process at a Licensed Clinic
- Initial counselling: medical, psychological and legal advice.
- Donor selection: via a fertility clinic, egg bank or digital platform.
- Preparation: cycle monitoring and baseline hormone assessment.
- Insemination: intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF procedures.
- Follow-up: pregnancy testing and, if necessary, hormone support.
Children’s Rights: What information can offspring access?
Donor-conceived individuals have a statutory right to information about their biological origin: non-identifying details (e.g. medical and personal characteristics) at age 16; identifying information (name, date and place of birth, last known address) at age 18. Clinic donors are not legal parents under UK law.
Co-parenting & Multi-parent Models
UK law recognises a maximum of two legal parents. Co-parenting models involving more than two intended parents require bespoke private agreements but have no legal status. In female same-sex couples, dual parenthood (shared motherhood) is recognised via parental orders under the HFE Act 2008.
Maintenance, Tax & Inheritance: Legal pitfalls of sperm donation
Maintenance
Donors using licensed clinics are exempt from maintenance obligations under the HFE Act; private donations may lead to the donor being legally liable for child support.
Taxation
Sperm donation costs, including travel and expenses, are not tax-deductible. Compensation for donors is limited to reasonable expenses (currently up to £45 per clinic visit) and is not taxable income.
Inheritance
Donors at licensed clinics have no inheritance claims on any offspring. In private arrangements, inheritance disputes can arise if paternity is legally established.
Recommendation
Those organising private donations (e.g. via RattleStork) should draw up robust legal agreements on paternity, maintenance and contact arrangements.
Private Sperm Donation with RattleStork – Securing Legal Safety
The platform RattleStork offers a digital marketplace for private sperm donation. Users can search donor profiles, apply filters (e.g. education, blood group) and negotiate bespoke agreements.
More info: RattleStork – organise private sperm donation
RattleStork provides templates and resources for legally sound donations – covering maintenance, paternity and contact wishes.
Legal sources & further information
Conclusion
Sperm donation in the UK is subject to a robust legal framework that protects all parties when conducted through licensed clinics. Private models like RattleStork offer flexibility but require careful legal safeguards. Being well informed enables a secure and empowered journey to parenthood.