A Danish sperm bank has announced a new policy requiring all prospective donors to undergo IQ testing, with individuals scoring below 85 being disqualified from donating. The move aims to ensure certain cognitive standards among donors, according to the bank’s officials.
The decision has sparked discussions about the implications of screening donors based on IQ. Supporters argue that it could lead to better outcomes for recipient families and improve the quality of donated genetic material. Critics, however, have raised concerns about potential discrimination and the oversimplification of human intelligence as a criterion.
This policy shift reflects ongoing debates worldwide regarding the ethical considerations of genetic screening and the criteria used to select reproductive donors. The Danish sperm bank has stated that the screening process complements existing health assessments, emphasizing their goal to provide reliable options for families seeking sperm donations.
No details have been released yet about how the IQ testing will be conducted or whether the policy will be adopted by other fertility clinics internationally. The move highlights the emerging role of genetic and cognitive testing in reproductive healthcare decisions.