Sperm Donation Bill, 5783-2023

This bill is intended to regulate the subject of sperm donation in Israel, for both reproductive and research purposes. The law defines key terms such as "sperm," "donor," "recipient," "sperm bank," "insemination," and "approvals committee." Regulation of sperm bank activity: According to the law, a sperm bank may operate only after receiving a permit from the Director General of the Ministry of Health. The permit will be granted only if several conditions are met: submission of an application on a designated form, proof of appropriate infrastructure (personnel, equipment, facilities), a suitable system for maintaining a secure registry, proof of ability to fulfill the provisions of the law, and the appointment of a sperm bank director who is a specialist in gynecology or urology with appropriate training. The Director General will not grant a permit to a sperm bank whose director has been convicted of a serious offense. The Director General may suspend, restrict, or revoke an existing permit if certain conditions are met, such as violation of the law's provisions or permit conditions, or if the bank director acted negligently. Sperm bank operations: Sperm bank operations will be performed by the bank director or someone authorized to do so. In every hospital where a sperm bank operates, a sperm bank director will be appointed by the hospital director. Approvals committee: An approvals committee of three members will be established, including the sperm bank director (chairperson), an attorney, and a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. The committee will discuss requests to continue storing sperm donations after 12 years from the date of deposit, and requests to destroy the sperm donation of a deceased donor. Sperm donation: A sperm donation for insemination will be accepted only if several conditions are met: the donor has given written consent, confirmation from the National Registry Center indicates that the donor has not donated more than 10 sperm samples, the donor has filled out a donor card, undergone comprehensive medical examinations (including an HIV test), and the sperm quality was found to be suitable. The donor shall not be a minor, unless approved by a social worker. The identification of the sperm donation will be kept in a manner that allows it to be identified until its use. Insemination: Insemination will be performed only in hospitals, private fertility clinics, or designated units in hospitals. The insemination will be performed by an attending physician. Insemination will be performed only if the recipient is an adult (under the age of 54), confirmation is provided by a "trusted intermediary" (a rabbi with spiritual authority) that the donor is not a relative of the recipient, and the recipient has given informed consent. The recipient will fill out an application on a designated form and receive a detailed explanation of the procedure, risks, and consequences. Selection of sperm and mixing of sperm: Mixing of sperm from multiple donors shall not be performed. A physician or the sperm bank director, in cooperation with the recipient, will select the appropriate sperm in a manner that does not reveal the donor's identity. Designation of donated sperm: Sperm donation from a sperm bank will be transferred to institutions listed in the law for insemination purposes only. The transfer of sperm will be carried out only after receiving an application that includes the recipient's consent form. Designation of sperm by a donor: A sperm donor is entitled to designate his donation in advance to his partner. If the donor or the recipient objected to the designation, they are entitled to withdraw their consent. Sperm deposit: A person may request to receive a sperm donation for deposit. The donor may instruct in his application what will be done with the sperm after his death.

Source: הצעת חוק לדיון מוקדם