Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 26 August 2024
To ask the Scottish Government, following campaigns in 2021, 2022 and 2023, whether it plans to run any further national donor gamete campaigns, in light of reported criticism from the charity, Surrogacy Concern, regarding a lack of information included in the most recent campaign about the health implications of egg donation for women.
Donor gametes (eggs and sperm) are required to treat NHS patients throughout Scotland who require them for their NHS IVF treatment. To ensure that donor gametes are available to patients for their treatment, the Scottish Government/NHS Scotland are currently reviewing data from previous campaigns and considering options in relation to running a future donor campaign.
As with the campaigns in 2021, 2022 and 2023, all prospective NHS gamete donors in Scotland are assessed by a qualified healthcare professional trained to screen out persons whose donations could present a health risk to themselves, to those receiving donated gametes and/or to any child born as a result of the donation. Donors are also advised of the medical process involved in donation and provided with free mandatory counselling to enable them to consider all the implications before going ahead, providing their consent, and donating.