the HFEA - adult donor photographs

[BethB123123]

Hi
I've just had a strange experience with the HFEA (human fertilisation and embryology authority) and was wanting some advice. I have been getting nowhere asking UK clinics if I can see photos of adult donors (they are v vague in response) and one clinic suggested I ask the governing body, the HFEA, who make the rules. I asked the Donor Information Officer, Danya Harris, via email, if he could tell me my legal options if I want to see adult photos of donors but want treatment (as far as possible) in the UK. His response, and I quote, "We can't comment on that and you would need to seek advice elsewhere".
If he won't answer it - who will?! I don't understand all the secrecy surrounding this issue. Why can't they be upfront re where we can get adult donor photos in the UK? I've been trying to get an answer to this question for so many weeks! Any help much appreciated.

The matter has been cleared up! I thought I'd post it on here for others. I just spoke to the HFEA and they were very helpful this time. They explained that no identifying information could be used in the UK - regardless of whether the sperm is imported - and that this includes both adult photos of donors and baby photos of donors. If there are clinics in the UK showing either of these, they are going against UK legislation in doing so. If you want to see either adult or baby photos of sperm donors, the HFEA say you need to get your donor from abroad AND you need to have treatment abroad.

That’s interesting but the photos are available on the sperm bank website. UK clinics are not involved. You go direct to the sperm bank, select a donor, decide if you want to see a photo, pay them directly. Your UK clinic will then receive the sperm.

I’ve just looked at the Xytex website and the photos are right there on all their UK compliant donors.

Just to add a lot of UK clinics won't work with some of the banks mentioned due to them being non UK compliant even though they claim they are, not respecting 10 family limit, not tested for Zika, photos available etc