Regulating Unusual Distribution Channels

Abstract

Because of the assumed elective nature of asexual reproduction, less public policy attention bas been directed toward the sperm bank indusby. Progression in the field of reproductive technologies, in conjunction with changes in cultural norms, have increased both the availability and occurrence of artificial insemination procedures. Further, the increasing level of sophistication in marketing by intermediaries in the human semen exchange process has facilitated the complex exchange process inherent in asexual reproduction. The paper is divided into four sections. First, we describe the current state of the market for semen. The evolution of the industry is described subsequently. Then, we chronicle historical regulatory evidence in blood banking which provides a framework for assessing the physical risks inherent in the distribution of semen. Next, a discussion of the psychological/legal risks of the industry is provided. Our discussion demonstrates the need for increased regulation to protect the interes...