China banned the use of human egg trade

China's Ministry of Health has issued a circular to ban the donation and supply of human eggs for commercial purposes and tighten control of sperm banks to limit the commercial use of reproductive support technology.

Sperm injections into the uterus (Photo: misodamclinic)

Over the weekend, the Chinese Ministry of Health issued a circular restricting the use of donor sperm and prohibiting the supply of sperm to illegal medical units. Accordingly, the sperm of a donor is provided to no more than 5 women for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF / ET) and no more than 8 women for artificial insemination (AI). This Circular also stipulates that sperm banks must record specific information on the use of sperm samples.

The Circular strictly prohibits the donation and supply of eggs for commercial purposes. The circular emphasizes that illegal establishments are not allowed to use egg donation technology and egg donors must be women whose eggs are collected during the process of receiving reproductive support technology.

Since March 31, 2006, 64 health facilities in China have been licensed to provide reproductive technology-related services and seven facilities for sperm banks. The Chinese Ministry of Health's circular requires establishments that have provided reproductive support services to cease operation until licensed by the government. At the same time, medical technicians in these facilities must participate in training programs to obtain a professional degree.

Minh Thuong