More Thorough Screening of Sperm Donors Needed

A new article at MSNBC.com reported that a sperm donor from San Francisco passed on a genetic heart condition to 9 out of 24 of his biological children. One of those children died from heart failure at age 2.

The genetic heart condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is apparently not that uncommon of a genetic condition, affecting 1 in 500. The donor bank where the condition was passed on has now started screening all potential donors for this condition (which does not always express symptoms) by giving the men an ECG.

The article also mentioned that most banks screen for genetic disorders via blood test, but this particular disorder has been pretty much ignored. The genetic disorders that have been included in regular screening are actually less common than this heart condition.

The story highlights the need for careful screening of all donors - sperm and egg donors. Of course, when a couple has a baby (without using a sperm donor), there is the potential to pass on whatever health conditions may exist in their families. But they have the benefit of having good access to their family history.

For children of sperm or egg donors, they only have the information made available through the sperm bank, which may or may not be enough if medical problems arise later.

Plus, when choosing a donor, you want the best you can get, healthwise. Why choose a donor who may pass on a serious medical condition, when you can choose a donor with a healthier track record?

What are your thoughts? Please share in the comments below, I'd love to hear from you!