Sperm Donations



AUSTRALIAN men backpacking through the UK are among the biggest sperm donors in London, new figures reveal.

London fertility clinics have reported that up to a third of sperm donors are now foreigners, and many are visitors from Down Under, the Mercury reports.

One of the capital's biggest clinics, the Bridge Centre, said Australian backpackers became donors to earn money to support their travels.

"What you get with the 'grand tour' is very enterprising people who look at every single way of making a buck," spokesman Tim Mott said.

With an official report yesterday warning that donor numbers in Britain were critically low, the clinics are hoping more travelling Aussies will lend a hand.

"We need them. We need that winning spirit and we need some more left-handed batsmen so we're hoping that's in the gene set," Mr Mott joked.

"If you're on the grand tour and you're spending 12 months in the UK, here's something you can do to make a bit of extra money.

"They should have it on the same 'to do list' as going to the rugby at Twickenham.

"It's a good cause and if we get enough Australian donors you could end up colonising the UK instead of the other way round."

Fertility clinics can offer donors limited reimbursement for time lost at work and travel expenses.

For 20 visits over several months, the payments could add up to £500 ($1200), Mr Mott said.

Donors lost their right to remain anonymous when new laws were introduced in the UK in 2005.

Children conceived through this process can now contact their biological fathers once they turn 18.

News.com.au

Last time I heard, which was not too long ago, Scotland had only one sperm donor!