Bill > AB2356

This bill clarifies the definition of "sexually intimate partner" for the purpose of sperm donation for reproductive use, specifically to allow single women and same-sex female couples to use fresh sperm from a known donor without the same extensive testing required for other donors. Currently, federal regulations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) exempt "sexually intimate partners" from certain testing, but this term is not clearly defined. This bill proposes that for reproductive purposes, a "sexually intimate partner" includes a known or designated donor whose sperm the recipient has already been exposed to in a non-medical attempt to conceive, thereby allowing for fresh insemination. The bill also provides immunity to physicians and surgeons who act in accordance with this clarified definition, ensuring they are not held liable for damages or disciplinary action when using fresh sperm from such a donor, provided they obtain informed consent from the recipient and follow other applicable health and safety requirements. This aims to address the practical difficulties and reduced conception rates associated with frozen sperm for these individuals and to reduce confusion among healthcare professionals regarding existing regulations and professional guidelines.