Thirdparty

Third-Party Reproduction

Another Possible Path to Building a Family

Everyone’s reproductive health and life journey are different. When natural conception or assisted reproduction using your own eggs or sperm is difficult, donor eggs or sperm may offer another option, subject to medical assessment and applicable legal requirements.

Third-party reproduction involves more than choosing a medical treatment. It also concerns the rights and interests of donors, recipient couples, and future children. The Reproductive Medicine Center at Sung Jun Hung Women’s and Children’s Hospital provides professional assessments, treatment explanations, and information about legal requirements to help you make an informed decision.

What Options Are Available?

Egg and Sperm Donation: Helping Another Family Find Hope

For some couples who cannot use their own reproductive cells because of ovarian function, sperm-related conditions, or illness, donated eggs or sperm may provide another opportunity to have a child.

Under the version of Taiwan’s Assisted Reproduction Act described in this article, egg and sperm donation must be voluntary and unpaid. Donors must meet age and health requirements, and a licensed assisted reproduction institution must complete eligibility checks, examinations, and the required procedures.

Learn more about:

Egg donor eligibility
Sperm donor eligibility
Health screening
The donation process
Donor rights and responsibilities

Learn About Donation

Using Donor Eggs or Sperm: Another Reproductive Option

If a fertility specialist determines that ovarian function, sperm quality, a genetic condition, or another medical factor makes it difficult to use your own reproductive cells, treatment using donor eggs or sperm may be considered.

Under the legal framework described in this article, recipient couples must meet the relevant eligibility requirements, and at least one spouse must have healthy reproductive cells. Written consent and other required procedures must also be completed before donor eggs or sperm can be used.

The decision should not be based solely on AMH, age, or the outcome of one treatment cycle. It requires a comprehensive assessment of both partners’ reproductive health, previous treatment experience, and future family plans.

Situations in which donor treatment may be considered include:

Significantly reduced ovarian function or inability to obtain usable eggs
Inability to obtain usable sperm
Difficulty obtaining suitable reproductive cells despite repeated assisted reproduction cycles
A risk of transmitting certain genetic conditions
Other medical circumstances considered appropriate by a fertility specialist

Learn About Donor Treatment

Legal and Ethical Considerations: Understanding Everyone’s Rights

Egg and sperm donation involves donor privacy, the rights of recipient couples, the legal status of donor-conceived children, and genetic relationships.

The legal framework described in this article regulates donor eligibility, donation history, recipient treatment, kinship checks, the use of reproductive cells, and recordkeeping. For example, institutions may not use eggs or sperm from a specific donor at a recipient couple’s request, and reproductive cells from the same donor may not be provided to two or more recipient couples simultaneously.

Understanding the legal framework, ethical considerations, and issues that families may face in the future is an important part of preparing for treatment.

Questions to explore include:

Can a donor specify who receives their donation?
Can recipients select a particular donor?
Does the donor have a legal parent-child relationship with the child?
How are prohibited genetic relationships checked?
Can the child access relevant information in the future?

Learn About the Legal Framework

Start with a Comprehensive Assessment

The need for donor eggs or sperm should not be determined by one test result or a single treatment outcome.

At your first consultation, the doctor may assess:

Female Reproductive Health

AMH, antral follicle count, ovarian function, uterine health, age, and previous treatment records.

Male Reproductive Health

Semen analysis, sperm count and motility, the availability of usable sperm, and relevant medical history.

Genetic and Medical Factors

Personal and family medical history, the risk of transmitting a genetic condition, and whether further genetic counseling is appropriate.

Previous Assisted Reproduction Treatment

Response to ovarian stimulation, egg yield, fertilization rates, embryo development, and previous embryo transfer outcomes.

After the assessment, your doctor will explain the available options, including their potential benefits, limitations, and risks.

There Is No Single Path That Is Right for Everyone

No fertility treatment is suitable for every person or couple.

Some people may be able to proceed using their own eggs and sperm, while others may need donated reproductive cells. The goal is to make a decision that fits your circumstances after understanding the medical considerations, legal requirements, and your own expectations.

The Reproductive Medicine Center at Sung Jun Hung Women’s and Children’s Hospital provides infertility assessments, IVF, fertility preservation, and consultations about egg and sperm donation and donor treatment. Our team helps you explore your options one step at a time.

Book a Consultation

Legal Information: Reference Date

As described in the source article, dated August 2026, eligibility under Taiwan’s Assisted Reproduction Act remained based primarily on qualifying married recipient couples. The Executive Yuan approved a draft amendment on December 11, 2025, proposing an expansion of eligibility. Approval of a draft does not mean that its provisions have taken legal effect. Eligibility must be assessed under the law and official requirements in force at the time of treatment.

Egg & Sperm Donation

Eligibility, the Donation Process, and Donor Rights

A donation of reproductive cells may offer another possibility to a family facing difficulties on the path to parenthood.

Egg and sperm donation involves eligible donors voluntarily providing reproductive cells after understanding the medical procedures, possible risks, and their rights. These cells may be used by eligible recipient couples for assisted reproduction. Under the legal framework described in this article, donation must be unpaid and arranged through a licensed assisted reproduction institution.

What Is Egg Donation?

An egg donor undergoes a health assessment and ovarian stimulation to help multiple follicles develop. Eggs are then collected through an egg retrieval procedure.

Suitable mature eggs are processed by the reproductive medicine laboratory and may be used in treatment for eligible recipient couples.

Because egg donation involves stimulation medication and an invasive retrieval procedure, donors should understand the treatment, physical demands, and possible risks before deciding. The Health Promotion Administration requires institutions to explain relevant rights, responsibilities, and medical risks before accepting a donation.

Who Is Eligible to Donate Eggs?

Under the legal framework described in this article, an egg donor must:

Be at least 20 years old and under 40
Be assessed as suitable for donation by an assisted reproduction institution
Donate voluntarily without payment for the eggs
Meet restrictions relating to previous donations and resulting live births

The institution must also verify donation records with the competent authority before the donated cells can be used.

What Screening Is Required Before Egg Donation?

Before accepting a donation, the institution must carry out relevant examinations and assessments, including:

General psychological and physical health
Personal medical history and the medical history of blood relatives within the fourth degree of kinship
Hereditary conditions that may affect reproductive health
Relevant infectious diseases
Other examinations required by the competent authority

A comprehensive assessment helps protect both the recipient family and the donor’s health and safety.

The Egg Donation Process

STEP 1 | Donation Consultation

The medical team explains the procedure, treatment schedule, required examinations, possible risks, and how donated cells are managed.

STEP 2 | Health and Eligibility Assessment

Blood tests and assessments of relevant medical and genetic risks are arranged. The institution also verifies donor eligibility.

STEP 3 | Ovarian Stimulation

The doctor selects medication according to ovarian function. Ultrasound scans and blood tests are required to monitor follicle growth during treatment.

STEP 4 | Egg Retrieval

Once the follicles are ready, medication is administered at the specified time and retrieval is scheduled. Egg retrieval is an invasive procedure. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, anesthesia-related effects, and ovarian hyperstimulation.

STEP 5 | Recovery and Follow-Up

The team monitors recovery and provides aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments as needed.

What Is Sperm Donation?

A sperm donor provides a semen sample that undergoes health screening, semen analysis, and other required testing. The laboratory processes and freezes suitable samples for use by eligible recipient couples in accordance with applicable law.

Unlike egg donation, sperm donation usually does not involve ovarian stimulation medication or an invasive egg retrieval procedure. However, comprehensive health, infectious disease, and family genetic history assessments are still required.

Who Is Eligible to Donate Sperm?

Under the legal framework described in this article, a sperm donor must:

Be at least 20 years old and under 50
Be assessed as suitable for donation
Donate voluntarily without payment for the sperm
Meet restrictions relating to previous donations and resulting live births

The institution must verify donation records with the competent authority before the donated cells can be used.

STEP 1 | Consultation and Eligibility Assessment

The team reviews your health, medications, reproductive and family medical history, and the rights and responsibilities associated with donation.

STEP 2 | Health and Disease Screening

Physical health, relevant hereditary conditions, and infectious disease risks are assessed according to applicable requirements.

STEP 3 | Semen Analysis

The laboratory evaluates the semen and sperm to determine suitability for storage and use.

STEP 4 | Semen Collection

The sample is collected according to the hospital’s instructions and processed by the reproductive medicine laboratory.

STEP 5 | Cryopreservation

Suitable samples are processed and frozen, then managed and used in accordance with assisted reproduction regulations.

Can I Donate to a Specific Person?

No, under the legal framework described in this article.

Institutions may not use eggs or sperm from a specific person at a recipient couple’s request. Donors also may not direct their reproductive cells to a particular recipient couple.

This means that a couple cannot arrange for a friend, sibling, or other known person to donate specifically for their treatment.

Will Recipients Know My Identity?

Under the legal framework described in this article, institutions may provide information about the donor’s race, skin color, and blood type for the recipient couple’s reference. Copies of treatment records provided to recipients must not contain the legally protected identifying details of the donor.

Institutions must also create, retain, and report relevant records as required, with information managed through the assisted reproduction database established by the competent authority.

Can Donors Receive Money?

Taiwan’s framework described in this article is based on unpaid donation. Reproductive cells may not be bought or sold as commodities.

However, permitted expenses may be provided within limits set by the competent authority to account for burdens such as examinations, medical procedures, travel, and time away from work. The source article cites maximum amounts of NT$99,000 for completing egg donation and NT$8,000 for completing sperm donation.

These amounts relate to legally permitted nutritional, travel, and lost-work-time expenses; they are not a purchase price for eggs or sperm. Trading or brokering reproductive cells or embryos for profit is subject to criminal penalties under the legal framework described in the source.

Can I Ask for My Donated Eggs or Sperm Back?

As a general rule, donated reproductive cells cannot be reclaimed after donation.

An exception described in the law allows a donor who is subsequently medically diagnosed or certified as having impaired fertility to request the return of donated cells that have not yet been destroyed.

Donation Involves More Than a Medical Procedure

Egg and sperm donation concerns the rights and interests of the donor, recipient family, and future donor-conceived child.

Informed consent includes understanding the physical effects of donation, how records are kept, rights and restrictions after donation, and potential family and ethical issues. International reproductive medicine guidance also emphasizes the medical, psychological, social, and future information-disclosure implications of donation.

The Reproductive Medicine Center at Sung Jun Hung Women’s and Children’s Hospital provides assessments and consultations about egg and sperm donation. Our team explains eligibility, procedures, and important considerations so you can make an informed decision.

Ministry of Health and Welfare: Understanding Egg and Sperm Donation (Chinese)

Treatment with Donor Eggs or Sperm

Using Donor Eggs or Sperm

Who May Benefit and What Treatment Involves

If illness, reproductive conditions, or genetic factors prevent the use of your own eggs or sperm, donated reproductive cells may offer another option, subject to medical assessment and applicable law.

Donor treatment involves more than changing the source of an egg or sperm. Both partners’ health, the treatment method, future family relationships, and emotional readiness should be considered through a comprehensive assessment. International reproductive medicine guidance also recommends appropriate medical evaluation and psychoeducational counseling for recipient families.

What Is Donor Treatment?

Donor treatment involves eligible recipient couples using voluntarily donated eggs or sperm for assisted reproduction because of a medical need.

Under the legal framework described in this article, at least one spouse must have healthy reproductive cells. The framework therefore does not allow both donor eggs and donor sperm to be used together for the same recipient couple.

Using Donor Eggs

When Might Donor Eggs Be Considered?

Suitability is assessed individually. Circumstances that may be discussed include:

Significantly reduced ovarian function
Premature ovarian insufficiency
Difficulty obtaining usable mature eggs despite repeated treatment cycles
Ovarian impairment following illness, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy
A risk of transmitting certain serious genetic conditions
Other medical reasons assessed by a fertility specialist

The decision should not be based on AMH or age alone. Previous treatment, ovarian response, uterine health, and individual reproductive plans should also be considered.

The Donor Egg Treatment Process

STEP 1 | Reproductive Medicine Assessment

Your doctor reviews medical and reproductive history, ovarian function, uterine health, and previous IVF outcomes to assess the medical need for donor eggs.

STEP 2 | Recipient Screening

The recipient couple undergoes the required assessments of general physical and psychological health, family medical history, genetic risks, and relevant infectious diseases.

STEP 3 | Counseling and Written Consent

The institution explains the need for treatment, the procedure, success rates, possible complications, and alternatives, and obtains written consent from both spouses.

Under the legal framework described in this article, the relevant written consent for donor egg treatment must also be notarized.

STEP 4 | Donor Egg Matching

A specific donor cannot be designated. The institution may provide the donor’s race, skin color, and blood type as permitted by law, but may not select a specific donor at the recipient couple’s request.

STEP 5 | Fertilization and Embryo Culture

Suitable donated eggs are fertilized with the recipient husband’s sperm in the laboratory and cultured into embryos.

STEP 6 | Endometrial Preparation and Embryo Transfer

A medicated or natural-cycle approach is planned according to the recipient wife’s menstrual cycle and endometrial condition. Embryo transfer is scheduled when conditions are suitable.

Using Donor Sperm

When Might Donor Sperm Be Considered?

Possible circumstances include:

Azoospermia when no usable sperm can be obtained
Severely abnormal sperm parameters
Ejaculatory or collection difficulties when suitable sperm remain unavailable after treatment
A risk of transmitting certain serious genetic conditions
Other medical reasons established through comprehensive fertility and male reproductive assessment

International reproductive medicine guidance also identifies azoospermia, severe oligospermia, ejaculatory dysfunction, and certain serious hereditary conditions as possible clinical indications for donor sperm.

The Donor Sperm Treatment Process

STEP 1 | Fertility Assessment for Both Partners

The assessment considers the husband’s sperm findings and the wife’s age, ovulation, uterine health, fallopian tube function, and other reproductive factors.

STEP 2 | Eligibility and Health Assessment

The institution confirms medical and legal eligibility. Under the framework described in this article, one spouse generally must have infertility or a legally specified serious hereditary condition, and at least one spouse must have healthy reproductive cells. The law also provides a route for approval by the competent authority when other medically justified circumstances apply.

STEP 3 | Consent and Notarization

The required written consent and notarization procedures must be completed before treatment using donor sperm.

STEP 4 | Donor Sperm Matching

A specific sperm donor cannot be designated. The legally permitted reference information includes the donor’s race, skin color, and blood type.

STEP 5 | Assisted Reproduction Treatment

Your doctor recommends an appropriate treatment based on the wife’s age, ovarian reserve, fallopian tube function, medical history, and other relevant findings.

Can Recipients Choose Their Own Donor?

The framework described in this article does not allow recipients to select a donor from photographs or a complete personal profile.

Recipients may not request reproductive cells from a specific person. Institutions may provide the donor’s race, skin color, and blood type as permitted by law.

This differs from some overseas donor banks that offer extensive information about appearance, education, employment, or audiovisual profiles.

What Should We Consider Before Donor Treatment?

Understanding Genetic Relationships

When donor eggs are used, the recipient wife who carries and gives birth to the child does not provide the egg-derived genetic contribution. When donor sperm is used, the recipient husband does not provide the sperm-derived genetic contribution. Both partners should have time to discuss their understanding of genetics, pregnancy, and parenthood before treatment.

Treatment Does Not Guarantee Success

Donor treatment changes the source of reproductive cells, but fertilization, embryo development, transfer, and implantation must still occur. Pregnancy and live birth depend on factors including egg and sperm quality, embryo development, the uterine environment, and the recipient wife’s age and overall health.

Who Are the Child’s Legal Parents?

Under the Assisted Reproduction Act framework described in this article, a child conceived during marriage with the wife’s consent using her husband’s sperm and a donated egg is legally deemed a child born in wedlock. A child conceived by the wife using donor sperm with her husband’s consent likewise has a legally defined status as a child born in wedlock.

A Different Path to Parenthood

Deciding to use donor eggs or sperm often involves a period of learning, reflection, and emotional adjustment.

The Reproductive Medicine Center at Sung Jun Hung Women’s and Children’s Hospital helps couples explore options based on reproductive health, previous treatment, and family plans. We explain treatment, legal requirements, and follow-up considerations so that each decision is made with understanding.

Legal and ethical considerations in assisted reproduction

Legal & Ethical Considerations

Assisted Reproduction: Law & Ethics

Donation, Donor Treatment, and the Rights of Donor-Conceived Children

Egg and sperm donation involves the rights and interests of donors, recipient couples, and future children, as well as medical treatment.

Taiwan’s Assisted Reproduction Act regulates matters including donor eligibility, matching, consent, reproductive cell storage, the legal status of children, and kinship inquiries.

The following information reflects the legal framework described in the source article as of August 20, 2026.

Who Is Eligible for Assisted Reproduction?

As of August 20, 2026, the Act defined a recipient couple as a husband and wife receiving assisted reproduction, with the wife able to carry and give birth to a child using her own uterus.

The source article cites Health Promotion Administration information updated in February 2026 stating that the framework had not yet extended access to unmarried individuals, single parents, or same-sex couples.

On December 11, 2025, the Executive Yuan approved a draft amendment proposing expanded eligibility for unmarried women and legally married female same-sex couples, together with additional protections concerning donor-conceived children’s access to genetic-origin information. Approval of a draft does not mean its provisions have taken legal effect. Treatment eligibility must follow the law in force at the time of treatment.

What Conditions Must Recipients Meet?

Before treatment, an institution must assess whether the recipient couple is suitable for assisted reproduction.

Under the framework described in this article, one spouse generally must have infertility or a legally specified serious hereditary condition, and at least one spouse must have healthy reproductive cells. Where other medically justified circumstances apply, the law provides for treatment following approval by the competent authority.

The framework therefore does not permit both donor eggs and donor sperm to be used together for the same recipient couple.

Can a Friend or Relative Donate Specifically for Us?

No, under the framework described in this article.

Article 13 of the Assisted Reproduction Act provides that:

Recipient couples may not request reproductive cells from a specific person.
Donors may not direct their cells to a specific recipient couple.

Institutions may provide information about the donor’s race, skin color, and blood type as permitted by law.

Knowing the donor personally, including through a family or friendship relationship, does not allow a directed donation to be arranged.

Why Are Kinship Checks Required?

To prevent prohibited genetic relationships, the framework prohibits combining eggs and sperm between:

Lineal blood relatives
Lineal relatives by marriage
Collateral blood relatives within the fourth degree of kinship

Relevant kinship checks are conducted according to the required procedures.

Can One Donor’s Cells Be Used by Many Families?

The framework described in this article restricts the use of cells from the same donor.

An institution may not provide the same donor’s reproductive cells to two or more recipient couples simultaneously. Once a pregnancy is achieved for a recipient couple, further provision must stop. After that couple has one live birth, remaining donated cells must be handled as required by law.

These restrictions are among the safeguards intended to reduce the risk of unrecognized genetic relationships between donor-conceived children.

Is Consent from Both Spouses Required?

Yes.

Before treatment, the institution must explain the need for the procedure, treatment methods, success rates, possible complications, risks, and alternatives, and obtain written consent from both spouses.

The relevant written consent for treatment using donated eggs or sperm must also be notarized under the framework described in this article.

Informed consent is more than an administrative requirement. It helps ensure that both partners understand the child’s genetic origins and legal relationships.

Is the Donor the Child’s Legal Parent?

No, where the requirements of the legal framework described in this article have been met.

When Donor Sperm Is Used

A child conceived by a wife during marriage using donated sperm with her husband’s consent is legally deemed a child born in wedlock.

When Donor Eggs Are Used

A child conceived during marriage with the wife’s consent using her husband’s sperm and a donated egg is likewise legally deemed a child born in wedlock.

Genetic origin and legal parenthood are therefore distinct concepts.

Can Recipients Learn the Donor’s Identity?

Under the framework described in this article, the reference information provided to recipient couples consists of the donor’s race, skin color, and blood type.

Institutions must retain donation and treatment records. However, copies of medical records provided to recipients must exclude legally protected donor-identifying information. Relevant information must also be reported to the assisted reproduction database managed by the competent authority.

Can Donor-Conceived Children Request Kinship Information?

The framework provides a kinship inquiry mechanism in specified circumstances.

A donor-conceived child or their legal representative may apply to the competent authority if there are concerns about a prohibited genetic relationship in connection with marriage, adoption, or other legally regulated kinship restrictions.

The draft amendment approved by the Executive Yuan in 2025 proposed broader access to genetic-origin information, including certain non-identifying donor information and access to identifying information in specified circumstances. These proposals should not be confused with the legal framework described in this article.

Can Parents Choose the Child’s Sex?

The Assisted Reproduction Act framework described in this article prohibits embryo sex selection, except for specified genetic disease-related reasons.

A preference for a boy or girl is not a permitted reason for sex selection.

Can Donated Eggs or Sperm Be Imported for Treatment in Taiwan?

Under the framework described in this article, imported donated reproductive cells may not be used for assisted reproduction.

Only institutions licensed by the competent authority may carry out the relevant assisted reproduction activities, including accepting donations, storing reproductive cells, and providing them for treatment.

Can Donated Reproductive Cells Be Stored Indefinitely?

Under the framework described in this article, donated cells generally must be destroyed if:

They have been used to achieve one live birth for a recipient couple
They have been stored for more than 10 years
They are found after donation to be unsuitable for assisted reproduction

Donors generally may not reclaim donated cells. An exception allows a donor who is subsequently medically diagnosed or certified as having impaired fertility to request the return of cells that have not yet been destroyed.

Why Are Ethical Discussions Important?

Legal rules establish a framework, but donor-conceived families may also face personal questions that legislation cannot answer for them, such as:

“Should our child know how they were conceived?”

“When and how should we talk about it?”

“How do we understand parenthood without a genetic connection?”

“How might increasingly accessible DNA testing affect donor anonymity?”

International reproductive medicine guidance recommends opportunities for donors and recipients to discuss the psychological and social implications of donation, including family relationships, disclosure, genetic information, and possible future contact.

The Child’s Best Interests Matter

Third-party reproduction aims to help people build families. Before treatment begins, consideration should also be given to the future child’s health, legal status, genetic-origin information, and family relationships.

The Reproductive Medicine Center at Sung Jun Hung Women’s and Children’s Hospital provides medical information and explanations of legal requirements relating to assisted reproduction, donation, and donor treatment. Eligibility, consent procedures, and treatment arrangements are assessed individually under Taiwan’s laws in force at the time of treatment.

Legal information reference date: August 20, 2026. If relevant laws are amended, please refer to Taiwan’s Laws & Regulations Database, the latest announcements from the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and guidance from your medical team.

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