Mercancía o don: Bancos de semen y autonomía reproductiva

Abstract

This paper is based on fieldwork conducted in a Scandinavian private sperm bank that operates independently of assisted reproduction clinics. The fact that it is openly run as a business has consequences for the perspective from which the genetic material is offered. It also mediates the relationship with individual recipients of the sperm. The existence of this sperm bank conflicts with the views of Spanish biomedical professionals, who argue that it is only possible to offer health and safety guarantees regarding samples and traceability of donations in authorized clinics in order to avoid the risks of incest and consanguinity.