"Pregnant with sperm donation from Denmark"… The reason for Sayuri's choice, once again drawing attention.
In Korea, the form of family known as 'voluntary single motherhood' is still unfamiliar. The story of a woman who chose life by overcoming practical barriers in the healthcare system is once again attracting attention. Along with this, the reason behind broadcaster Sayuri's choice of sperm is also being reexamined.
On the broadcast of TV CHOSUN's entertainment program 'Our Baby Has Been Born' aired on the 20th, a 'voluntary single mother' who is working as an internal medicine specialist appeared and shared her story. While juggling work and childcare, she is also preparing to give birth to her second child through sperm donation.
She noted, "I decided to become a mother on my own," expressing her belief that having a child is essential regardless of marriage. However, the reality in Korea has not been easy. In Korea, there is a legal requirement that mandates 'spousal consent' to receive sperm donation, making it impossible to donate if there is no spouse. Ethical guidelines within the healthcare system have also posed a barrier.
In light of this reality, the individual chose to travel to Denmark. They explained, "Denmark has the world's largest sperm bank. When combining the cost of living, procedure expenses, and information fees, it was the most economically efficient choice." They also stated, "I was able to choose not only Danish donors but also donors of various races and ethnicities, and even details such as the donor's height, weight, personality, and even first impressions were recorded." After completing tests in Korea, they received artificial insemination in Denmark in 2022. They succeeded in getting pregnant after two attempts and mentioned that the expense was about 10 million won.
Alongside this, Sayuri's case is also being reexamined. Previously, Sayuri gave birth to her son Zen in 2020 after receiving sperm donation from a Westerner in Japan. At that time, Sayuri explained, "There are hardly any Asian donors at the sperm bank," and stated, "I was able to confirm genetic traits, and I chose based on EQ (emotional intelligence)."
Sayuri's choice is garnering attention not only for being personal but also for highlighting the structural limitations of the sperm bank system.
Countries that have sperm banks are limited to the UK, Germany, Australia, the United States, Sweden, and Japan, and even those face strict laws and ethical guidelines like Korea, making it practically impossible domestically. As a result, the reality that women must go abroad if they wish to have children has become another social barrier hindering the choice of 'voluntary single motherhood.'
[Photo] Broadcast capture
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