Known as Hajime, the man told Kansai TV on 15/8 that he has helped 7 women conceive, 4 of whom have already given birth.
Hajime's journey began 5 years ago when an infertile university friend asked for his help. Initially surprised by the request to have intercourse with his friend's wife, Hajime agreed after considering their plight. He provided his services free of charge. Witnessing the couple's joy after the child's birth inspired him to help others.
To connect with those in need, Hajime created an anonymous social media account, regularly posting his monthly infectious disease test results and sharing his university diploma to build trust. He only asks for travel expenses to be covered and states he won't sign contracts, claim paternity, or assume financial responsibility for the children.
Hajime has received over 20 requests and facilitated 7 pregnancies, resulting in 4 births. While he initially expected to help mostly infertile couples, he discovered the majority were lesbian couples and single women. His service offers a "simpler hope" due to Japan's restrictive reproductive laws for unmarried women and same-sex couples.
Hajime's actions have sparked controversy, with supporters advocating for legal changes to reflect societal needs and others expressing concerns about potential legal and social ramifications. Hajime insists his motivation isn't financial, but rather the feeling of "making a difference."
Sperm donation in Japan exists in a legal gray area, lacking comprehensive regulation. Most clinics and hospitals adhere to the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines, which primarily permit donations to legally married, infertile couples.
As Japan doesn't recognize same-sex marriage, both lesbian couples and single women are excluded from formal sperm donation services. This forces many to seek informal online sources, posing health and legal risks. A 2020 law recognized legal parentage for children born from sperm donation, but it hasn't clarified children's rights to donor information or regulated private donations and online advertising.
Globally, informal or private sperm donation is increasing, largely facilitated by social media and online forums. This trend is driven by stringent legal and medical regulations surrounding sperm banks and clinics in many countries.
Like Hajime, many private sperm donors are motivated by altruism, aiming to help those ineligible for formal reproductive assistance, such as single women and same-sex couples. Donation methods vary, ranging from at-home insemination (IUI) to direct sexual intercourse.
A significant risk of informal sperm donation is the lack of medical screening. Formal sperm banks conduct thorough testing for infectious and genetic diseases and review donor health history. Private donors may not undergo these crucial tests, risking disease transmission and impacting the child's health.
The absence of clear legal contracts also creates complications. Donors may not be legally and financially absolved of paternal responsibilities, and children may face challenges tracing their biological origins. Furthermore, extensive donations from a single individual increase the risk of accidental consanguineous relationships between unaware half-siblings in the future.
Hoang Dung (Kansai TV, AFP)
