Donating Reproductive Tissue

What Types of Reproductive Tissue Can Be Donated?

The male and female reproductive systems consist of various tissues, including semen and oocytes (eggs), which can be donated by living individuals. Embryos can also be donated.

How is Donated Reproductive Tissue Used?

Donated semen and oocytes are used in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) designed to help individuals and couples conceive and build families.

• Directed Donation: Some donors may choose to donate their reproductive tissue to a known recipient, such as a family member or friend.
• Anonymous Donation: Most reproductive tissue is donated to tissue banks, where it is anonymously distributed to recipient(s) in need.

Who Benefits from Reproductive Tissue Donation?

Reproductive tissue donation provides a critical solution for individuals and couples who are unable to conceive through traditional methods. This includes:

• Same-sex couples or single individuals who wish to become parents.
• People with primary fertility conditions, such as men with Klinefelter syndrome or women with primary ovarian insufficiency (premature ovarian failure).
• Individuals facing secondary infertility caused by gonadotoxic treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer, which can affect reproductive function.

Why is Reproductive Tissue Donation Important?

Reproductive tissue donation offers hope to those who face barriers to conception. Whether expanding families through surrogacy or ART, these donations make parenthood possible for many who might otherwise be unable to conceive.