Feature Articles

FPAHK Ceased Donor Insemination Service and Closed Semen Bank

Ref Number: ESEAOR200801

  • Date1 Jan 2008
  • Category FPA Message
  • Targets Public
  • AuthorFPAHK
  • Topic Birth and Pregnancy

The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong (FPAHK) ceased its Artificial Insemination by Donor (AID) Service and closed the Semen Bank on 31 January 2008. With advancements in human reproductive technology, the traditional techniques of sperm preparation and insemination which FPAHK had used for over 26 years were regarded as too limited. As the licensing of HRT centres was introduced in Hong Kong last year, FPAHK had played out its historical role and decided it was timely for its AID Service to be taken up by a qualified HRT centre. The Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital (HKS&H) would expand its In-vitro Fertilization Centre to incorporate the Semen Bank and AID service. It possessed the necessary expertise and facilities for ovarian stimulation and other HRT procedures which would increase the success rate of AID.

FPAHK’s Subfertility Service commenced in 1956, offering clinical investigation and management for couples with fertility problems. The Semen Bank and AID service were launched in 1981 to help couples whose subfertility was due to husbands’ low sperm count or quality. Over the years, 515 couples have been served and 184 pregnancies were recorded. FPAHK will continue to provide Subfertility Service after cessation of the AID Service and closure of the Semen Bank.