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FDA Rules Block Import of Prized Danish Sperm
US running low on popular 'Viking' sperm, barred by Mad Cow safeguards
By Rob Quinn
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Posted Aug 13, 08 7:37 AM CDT
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(Newser)
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FDA rules banning European sperm imports are driving some would-be American mothers to desperation, the Washington Post reports. Sperm from Danish donors used to be a popular import. But regulations to safeguard the US from a human form of Mad Cow disease have shut down the supply and sperm banks are running low. Critics say the policy is unreasonable.
The risk of Mad Cow infection is "too small and too insignificant to even be described," complained the director of California's Cryobank, which is down to its last few vials of "Sven" and "Olaf." Danish donations had been prized because the donors tended to be blond, blue-eyed, tall, and highly educated. Women seeking a full sibling for an earlier baby from donated European sperm are now having to fly abroad—or haggle with women who have leftover vials.