Canada

aelizabethaelizabeth Posts: 2
in Ask California Cryobank
Hi there,

Any update in shipping donor sperm to Canada?

Comments

  • cryo-admincryo-admin Posts: 4,538
    Hi Elizabeth -

    Due to specific testing requirements mandated by Health Canada that differ slightly from the FDA, we were unable to continue qualifying donors for distribution in Canada.

    We realize there is a serious shortage of good sperm donors in Canada and would love to be able to help. Unfortunately, we are not able to do so at this time.

    If anything changes, we will do our best to make sure our neighbors to the north are updated ASAP.

    Best wishes,

    Scott
    CCB
  • hollyrose789hollyrose789 Posts: 1
    Asking as a Canadian: what testing requirements specifically are you unable to meet? I understand that Xytex and Fairfax Cryobank are among the various American cryobanks able to provide specimens to Canada; I've been on their websites too, via links provided by fertility clinics, but I am much more interested in the donors I have found here so this is disappointing news.

    What testing standards do those cryobanks meet but California Cryobank does not?
  • cryo-admincryo-admin Posts: 4,538
    Hi H -

    We ship to over 50 countries, but unfortunately Canada is not one of them.

    We test for the same infectious diseases, but we use different tests. The specific tests that are required for distribution in Canada yield high false-positives which would unnecessarily disqualify donors from our program.

    Our company was founded and is operated by physicians (including pathologists) who are highly regarded in their field and are committed to a standard of excellence. In addition to following FDA regulations and ASRM guidelines, we are also accredited by AATB which is known to maintain the highest standards in the tissue banking industry.

    If you have the option to have an insemination done in the U.S., we'd be happy to help you find your ideal donor.

    Regards,

    Nicole
    CCB
  • hollyrose789hollyrose789 Posts: 1
    Thank you for your reply! I am quite far from the border where I live now, but I do make annual visits to family closer to the border, so it's not outside the realm of possibility I could look into insemination in the northeast US.

    It's disappointing to think it has to be that (additionally) complicated, but it's at least encouraging there could be an option. I'd have to check the legalities of it first, though, especially if it turns out I also need to use a gestational carrier.

    Thank you again for your reply, I really appreciate it.
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