Gamete and embryo donation

The Infertility Treatment Act, which came into force on 1 November 2015, regulates, among other things, the ways in which reproductive cells and embryos are handled. Under Polish legislation, cell donation is carried out on the basis of matching the donor and recipient in terms of phenotypic characteristics (a set of characteristics that determine the functioning of an organism).

The transfer of ova or sperm takes place after the donor signs a consent to medical and laboratory tests. Because of the need to reduce the number of genetically related offspring, the law limits the number of children born from the use of gametes from a given donor.

The donor cannot receive remuneration for the transfer of gametes, but may request reimbursement of costs incurred during the procedure. Recipients of reproductive cells are required to sign a consent to receive gametes (consent of the recipient and her husband/partner required). Persons in informal unions must additionally make a declaration of acknowledgment of paternity before the civil registrar before the initiation of the gamete transfer procedure.

All persons interested in gamete or embryo donation are invited to make a medical appointment in order to qualify for the procedure. We have successfully run outreach programs that, while maintaining complete anonymity and a sense of comfort on both sides, allow for successful treatment of couples who have no chance of having a child without outside support.