Gametes Move Across Borders: Forefront of Reproductive Tourism

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Abstract

According to previous studies and our own survey, those who want to undergo certain procedures utilizing Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) that are unavailable in their home country, often engage in reproductive tourism. For example, Japanese citizens who are seeking oocyte donation or surrogacy, both of which are rarely available in Japan, often go abroad. The most popular destination had been the United States, however, recently Asian countries such as South Korea, Thailand and Taiwan have come to be preferred because of their easy access from Japan and the availability of Asian donors. Patients are moving, but how about the human gametes themselves? The many ethical problems of moving gametes and embryos across borders have been pointed out in Pennings, G. (2016), yet these issues have only become more relevant.
In this paper, we focus on this phenomenon to give a clearer picture of the actual process of how gametes and embryos are imported and/or exported. We then argue for the necessity of domestic legislation, as well as international agreements to protect donors and recipients. We draw on the most recent literature in the field, as well as newspaper articles, blog posts and the websites of brokers who deal in gametes or embryos that are sent for ART use in Japan. We will discuss some of the problems specific to the Japanese context, as well as some of the common international issues involved.

Author

• Minori Kokado, Osaka University, Japan