Does Cryos have a global family limit?

Cryos does not impose a fixed global limit on the number of families per donor, and this is based on sound genetic reasoning: the key concern is not the total number of families globally, but the distribution within individual communities, which is where the risk of consanguinity can arise. Our systems are designed to manage this risk effectively through geographic dispersion and national quota compliance.

We recognise that transparency must be balanced with the rights and preferences of all parties involved: donors, recipients, and donor-conceived individuals. Not everyone wishes to receive or share the same level of information, and we respect this diversity of needs, in line with Article 10 of the European Bioethics Convention.

Cryos is preparing to offer donors with limited global quotas of 3, 10, or 25 families. These options will be priced accordingly and may appeal to families seeking additional reassurance. However, we also caution that widespread implementation of such limits could lead to reduced availability, longer waiting times, and increased reliance on unregulated markets; outcomes that would ultimately undermine safety for all involved parties. Furthermore, a strict global limit will not remove the risk of donor-conceived children inheriting a disease from a donor.