Sperm banks struggle to attract donors
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E-mail Xinhua, June 30, 2013
Another factor is cultural perceptions. Some balk at donating because they believe it amounts to a betrayal of one's ancestral bloodline, which, according to traditional beliefs, should be preserved within one's family.
"In China, sperm is traditionally considered a prized part of the human body. Many people fear that giving it away could be harmful to their health," Zhao said.
Sperm donation is also somewhat embarrassing in a society that still struggles with public discussions of sex-related topics.
"It's okay to watch non-commercial ads encouraging blood donation, but ads that ask people to donate their sperm might be too much to take for some people," Zhao said.
The shortage comes at a time when couples are finding it more difficult to give birth. Statistics released by the China Population Association at the end of 2012 showed that 40 million people have fertility issues, accounting for 12.5 percent of the population aged between 20 to 49. The ratio increased from 3 percent two decades ago.
"Environmental pollution, unsafe food and mounting work pressures are all reducing the odds of a successful and healthy pregnancy," said Liu Xiaoqun, vice dean of the Hebei Research Institute for Family Planning.
"Five years ago, around 10 patients with fertility problems would visit our clinic each day. Now it's up to 30," Liu said.
The sperm shortage and growing infertility rate have spurred human trafficking and illegal insemination in the underground market.
Couples who resort to illegal artificial insemination risk getting venereal diseases, as donors are not subject to health checks.
To ease the shortage, sperm banks across China have launched campaigns to show sperm donation in a better light and attract potential donors.
On Sina Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter, there are accounts claiming to be registered with sperm banks, but they have yet to be verified by Sina as officially representing the institutions.
Some of the microblogs have links to the websites of local sperm banks and have posted messages warning of sperm shortages and encouraging people to donate.
Followers of the microblogs range from dozens to several hundreds. However, the microblogs' impact, if any, remains to be seen.
"Just like blood donation, giving sperm is a humanitarian and charitable deed," Zhao said, adding that engaging the public though an education campaign could be an effective way to ease the shortage.
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