Due to the success of modern HIV treatment, people living with HIV can now conceive and give birth to children with no risk of the partner or the child being infected.

Some may though for various reasons have problems to conceive, regardless of HIV status. Additionally, assisted fertilization is also possible out of infection control considerations, for example if the HIV treatment is not working properly.

Donor sperm for singles

Marriage or a live-in partner was previously one of the requirements for assisted reproduction. As of 1 July 2020, an opening for single women to receive assistant fertilization through donors was introduced by Norwegian lawmakers. The same requirements for referral and the same assessment criteria apply to single women as well as to couples. Childcare certificate from the police must also be attached to the application. More information about requirements and criteria can be found at Oslo University Hospital website.

Donor sperm for infection control reasons

According to Bente Bergersen, chief physician and head of department at the Infectious Diseases Outpatient Clinic at Oslo University Hospital Ullevål (OUS), the offers of donors will for infection control reasons also apply in cases where assisted reproduction (IVF) is given to couples where both are living with HIV. In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves the egg being fertilized outside the woman’s body, and then placed in the uterus after fertilization.

Because of successful treatment of HIV neither the partner nor the child(ren) are exposed to possible infection, so donor fertilization will not be relevant for many who are living with HIV. But for some people donor sperm may be applicable for infection control reasons, and now this opportunity has opened up in Norway as well.

If you have questions regarding donor sperm, do not hesitate to contact HivNorway or the patient representative in the infection IVF reference group at OUS, Guri Fløttum, by calling +4721314580 or by sending us an e-mail.