Anonymous and non-anonymous gamete and embryo donations: pros and cons

Consequences of legal restrictions concerning gamete and embryo donation have been increasingly discussed during the last three decades, partly dependent upon the fact that assisted reproductive technologies have opened up new medico-technical possibilities. In the present communication we want to elucidate some of the problems and consequences of a Swedish law from 1985 requiring that all sperm donors should be non-anonymous. A similar law was passed in 2003 for oocyte donation. Such legal restrictions do not seem to be in the interest of the infertile couple who, to a large extent, seek treatment abroad where the laws are more liberal or non-restrictive (reproductive tourism). Whether or not the Swedish law is in the best interest for the offspring remains to be seen.