New Legislation Allows People with HIV to Participate in Egg and Sperm Donation for Fertility Treatment

People living with HIV who have an undetectable viral load are now able to donate eggs or sperm as part of fertility treatment, thanks to new legislation announced by Health Minister Maria Caulfield MP. This progressive change, discussed during a Parliament meeting on IVF provision last October, aims to empower individuals with HIV to fulfill their dream of parenthood. The updated Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act allows those with an undetectable viral load to provide gametes for fertility treatment to partners, family members, friends, and known recipients with informed consent.

With the revised law, it is anticipated that clinics will start offering these services to individuals with undetectable HIV within the next three months. This development marks a significant step towards inclusivity and equal access to assisted reproductive technology for all individuals, regardless of HIV status.

Previously, only men with HIV could donate sperm to their female partners, but the new legislation extends this opportunity to a wider range of individuals. Additionally, the law change eliminates the additional screening costs that female same-sex couples undergoing reciprocal IVF were previously subjected to. This financial barrier, which could exceed 1,000, will no longer be a burden for couples seeking assisted reproduction.

Health Minister Maria Caulfield emphasized that these changes will open doors for more people to achieve their goal of starting a family. Minister Caulfield highlighted the importance of equality in access to IVF for individuals with HIV, enabling them to contribute to egg and sperm donation. This move not only supports aspiring parents with HIV but also ensures that female same-sex couples can access IVF without facing extra screening expenses, aligning their experience with that of heterosexual couples.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, led by Chair Julia Chain, expressed support for the legislative adjustments. Chain emphasized that clinics are expected to offer treatment involving egg and sperm donation from individuals with undetectable HIV within a few months of the law change. Patients and donors affected by these modifications are encouraged to seek information on the HFEA website, where they can access transparent guidance on selecting a fertility clinic.

MP Stuart Andrews, Minister for Equalities, lauded the new legislation, stating that it will broaden the horizons for more individuals to embrace the journey of parenthood and experience the profound joy it brings.