Nothing Ever Happens

Sorry Monocle, I had to steal this short article (otherwise only for paying subscribers)- it’s such a great lesson for small countries with big ambitions:

The Danes have become one of the world’s most successful exporters of human sperm

Currently, Danish sperm is used in clinics in over 50 countries for IVF and insemination. Every year, at least 1,000 babies are born with a little help from Denmark. The country’s sperm banks, Cryos International and European Sperm Bank, both deliver all over Asia, South America and Europe.

Why Denmark? Peter Bower, founder of European Sperm Bank, says the Danish mentality suits the business very well. “A lot of young men feel fine about it. They want to help childless couples,” he says. “Of course they also make a little money.” Though that is only €40 a shot.

Danish legislation also plays a big part. Donors are protected by strict anonymity, whereas in many other countries children are allowed, once they become adults, to learn their biological father’s identity.

On its website, European Sperm Bank lets clients scroll through donors’ personal data, such as ethnic group and education - a service it launched last year. “We are the first sperm bank in Europe offering that,” says Bower, who modeled his concept on US sperm banks.

Visit: Monocle.com