Thu Sep 26 14:30:15 UTC 2024: ## Israeli Sperm Banks Overflowing with Unused Samples, Raising Ethical and Financial Concerns

**Jerusalem, Israel** – A growing backlog of unused frozen sperm samples is causing a crisis in Israeli sperm banks. This issue, stemming from a lack of clear guidelines regarding storage duration and disposal, is putting a strain on the country’s healthcare system.

The problem, detailed in a recent article published in the Israel Medical Association Journal (IMAJ), arises from a combination of factors including:

* **Indecision by the Health Ministry:** There are no set guidelines on how long sperm samples should be stored, leading to indefinite storage of unused samples.
* **Unpaid Storage Fees:** Many men who provided sperm, or families of deceased donors, are not paying the annual storage fees, further burdening the already financially strained healthcare system.
* **Low Utilization Rates:** A retrospective study found that less than 40% of stored sperm samples were used over an 18-year period.

This issue is exacerbated by Israel’s unique context. The country has a high birth rate and a high demand for sperm donation, particularly due to the high number of military deaths and the desire among religious Jewish women for children.

**The IMAJ authors, Dr. Roy Bitan, Tal Suissa, and Dr. Itai Gat, advocate for comprehensive legislation and regulation on sperm storage, including:**

* **Standardized Criteria:** Establishing uniform criteria for sample quality and storage duration across all sperm banks.
* **Clear Disposal Guidelines:** Defining clear guidelines for sample disposal after a certain period, particularly when no imminent clinical need exists.

This situation raises ethical concerns about the fate of unused sperm samples and the potential for biological paternity.

**The authors urge the Health Ministry to take immediate action to address this issue and establish clear, transparent guidelines for sperm storage and disposal in Israel.**

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