Health Canada removes sperm donation restrictions for gay and bisexual men

Health Canada said Friday that it will lift restrictions on sperm donations from gay and bisexual men [1, 2].

The policy shift removes a long-standing barrier for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking to contribute to fertility banks. By eliminating the screening question about sexual behavior, the agency aims to align its protocols with modern medical standards and human rights expectations [1, 2].

For years, the screening process included a specific question regarding the sexual behavior of applicants. This requirement effectively barred gay and bisexual men from donating sperm in Canada [1, 2]. Critics said the question was discriminatory and based on outdated assumptions about health risks ^[3].

Health Canada said the change is necessary to address these concerns. Experts said that the current system of rigorous testing and quarantine procedures is sufficient to mitigate health risks to recipients ^[3]. These existing safeguards ensure the safety of the sperm supply regardless of the donor's sexual orientation [1, 2].

The decision comes after sustained pressure from advocacy groups and medical professionals who viewed the restriction as an unnecessary hurdle. The agency is now moving toward a more inclusive screening process that focuses on individual health markers rather than sexual identity [1, 3].

This update applies nationally, affecting all clinics and banks operating under Health Canada's regulatory framework ^[2]. The agency said it did not provide a specific transition date for all clinics but indicated the removal of the question is the primary mechanism for ending the restriction [1, 2].