OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning Canadians about the potential dangers of using fresh donor semen in assisted conception.
The department says various websites provide a listing of Canadians available to provide fresh donor semen to women to help them conceive. However, the distribution of fresh semen is illegal in Canada.
Health Canada says that under the Food and Drugs Act, donor semen is considered a drug. As a result, distributing, processing and importing donor semen must adhere to sections under the act and semen regulations.
Donor semen for assisted conception must be processed in accordance with the regulations and be quarantined for at least six months.
The donor also must be screened and tested before and after the donation to minimize the risk of transmission of infectious diseases.
Health Canada recommends that Canadians who would like to donate semen or are considering using donor semen consult their health-care professionals.
The department has a list of Canadian semen processors and importers which can be found online: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/compli-conform/info-prod/don/can--seme n--est-eta--can--sperme-eng.php
