IVF couples may get Viking sperm

Britain may start importing sperm from Denmark because of a shortage of IVF donors.

Bulk imports from abroad could cut the long waiting list of childless couples needing treatment, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority said.

It is thought fewer British men are volunteering as donors because of fears their right to anonymity may be scrapped.

The authority believes Scandinavian sperm is 'likely to prove a valuable option'. Denmark has a large sperm bank and details of donors, who are paid about £23 each, are tightly controlled.

Only hair and eye colour, height, blood group and ethnic classification can be divulged.

Four years ago, the authority allowed a Danish sperm bank to export to a Scottish clinic - but this was a one-off arrangement.

Because of the shortage, some couples end up opting for a donor who does not share their physical characteristics. The problem is particularly severe among ethnic groups, especially those of Asian origin.

Since 1991, 55,936 patients in Britain have been treated by donor insemination, resulting in 13,512 babies. But a study in 2000 found 27 per cent of clinics had difficulty getting sufficient semen.

Sperm imports are not normally allowed because of fears that foreign clinics have less strict standards.

The authority said it was still a 'long way from making a decision' over imports.