A Danish sperm bank has become the first in Europe to require IQ testing for all potential donors, rejecting applicants who score below 85 and those with criminal records. The move has sparked debate about eugenics and the limits of genetic selection and is drawing attention in the UK, where Danish donor sperm represents a major share of imports.
Donor Network, based in Aarhus, screens donors using the Cattell Culture Fair Test to assess fluid intelligence. The company excludes applicants with an IQ below 85, a threshold it says eliminates around 18% of candidates. Only donors with a clean criminal record are accepted.
Chief executive Jakob Schöllhammer Knudsen said: “We want to set the highest standards in the industry, and that means screening donors on as many levels as possible. IQ testing takes us one step further and helps families feel secure in their choice.”
The company states that up to 80% of a child’s IQ is inherited genetically, citing findings from heritability studies. However, scientific consensus places adult IQ heritability at roughly 50 to 80%, with environmental factors such as upbringing and education playing a substantial role. Researchers note that intelligence is shaped by multiple genes interacting with lived experience rather than genetics alone.
Denmark is one of the world’s largest exporters of donor sperm, with about 90% of donations sent abroad. The country supplies a significant proportion of the UK market, where imported sperm accounts for a large share of available donations. Danish donors are often chosen for their perceived quality, physical characteristics, and the country’s well established fertility infrastructure.
For some patients, donor selection involves lengthy and emotionally demanding decisions. Eleanor Mills Hicks and Zoe Stock from Devon, who are preparing for treatment at London Women’s Clinic, chose a Donor Network donor after reviewing multiple sperm banks and profiles.
Zoe Stock said: “Choosing a donor takes time. The options are endless, and it’s incredibly important to find the right match. We reviewed many sperm banks and countless donor profiles. When we found our donor through Donor Network, everything just felt right.”
Eleanor Mills Hicks added, “It’s an emotional process, but from the very first moment, we felt seen and listened to. There are cultural differences between Denmark and the UK, but we were met with warmth and transparency. Knowing that the donor’s IQ is tested gives us confidence that everything possible has been done to ensure both health and personality.”
Since 2005, UK law has banned anonymous sperm donation, allowing donor conceived individuals to access identifying information at age 18. In Denmark, anonymous donor profiles are still permitted, although Donor Network says it prioritises open donor arrangements.
Knudsen said: “Most clients are surprised to learn that IQ screening isn’t standard practice across all sperm banks. That clearly shows a need. For the same reason, we’ve also introduced a clean criminal record requirement for all donors. It’s the natural next step when your goal is to help people fulfil their dream of having a healthy child with strong genetic foundations.”
Ethicists have raised concerns about the approach. Daniela Cutas, associate professor of medical ethics at Lund University, argued that screening for IQ and criminal records rests on assumptions about genetic inheritance that downplay environmental influences. She warned that such measures could give parents a false sense of certainty about a child’s future development.
The fertility sector continues to expand, with Denmark’s market projected to reach around DKK 1 billion by 2030. Donor Network says its policy responds to demand from clients seeking additional reassurance when choosing a donor.
