British Sperm Shortage

(UK) With recent changes in confidentiality laws, British men are less apt to become sperm donors and a shortage of donors coupled with a limit of 10 babies per each donor means that sperm banks are unable to meet demand for the tiny messengers.

"The only countries that seem to have enough sperm are those that pay - like the U.S. and Spain - or the countries that retain anonymity," said Allan Pacey, a member of the British Fertility Society that warned of the shortage in the British Medical Journal.

"In the countries that have removed anonymity ... there seems to be a problem," he said.

The lack of confidentiality has softened the willingness of men to become sperm donors who apparently fear the possibility of a person showing up sometime in the future with daddy issues. And, recent cases indicate that the law is not settled regarding child support obligations of sperm donors.

In summary, British men are pulling out of the baby batter business, drying up deposits at sperm banks. Of course, the problem would be simply solved if sperm donors were paid. Something like $100 per unit for run-of-the-mill sperm progressing to $1,000 per unit for the premium stuff would force sperm banks to open drive-thrus.

Tip: Charley Nestor

Companion post at The Jawa Report.