New Zealand Launches World’s First HIV Positive Sperm Bank
In an attempt to reduce stigma, Sperm Positive in New Zealand launches the first-ever sperm bank for HIV positive people. It has begun with three male donors who are living with HIV whose amount of the virus in their blood is so low that it cannot be detected.
“Although this does not mean the HIV has been cured, it does mean that the treatment is working well and so the virus cannot be passed on – even through sex without a condom or childbirth,” reports ‘The Guardian’.
One of the donors, namely Damien Rule-Neal, said he has experienced stigma about living with HIV and he believes there is still a “lack of education” in New Zealand about what an undetectable status means.
“I have many friends who are also living with HIV who’ve gone on to have children,” he said.
“Being able to help others on their journey is so rewarding, but I also want to show the world that life doesn’t stop post-diagnosis and help to remove the stigma.”
Sperm Positive said it will be “made clear to people looking for a donor that they have HIV but are on effective treatment and so cannot pass the virus on.”
The online bank was launched on December 1, on World Aids Day.
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