Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 20-111
Consent of donor required for posthumous use of sperm or eggs for assisted reproduction
Effective Jun 1, 2013Added by Acts 2012, c. 649, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2012. Amended by Acts 2013, c. 43, § 1, eff. April 9, 2013; Acts 2013, c. 644, § 1, eff. June 1, 2013.State of Maryland
(a)
- (1) This section applies to the use of sperm or eggs from a donor known to the individual who intends to become a parent through the use of the sperm or eggs.
- (2) This section does not apply to the use of sperm or eggs donated to a tissue bank or fertility clinic by a donor who intended to remain anonymous either indefinitely or until a child that results from the use of the sperm or eggs becomes an adult.
(b) A person may not use sperm or eggs from a known donor after the donor's death for the purpose of assisted reproduction, if:
- (1) The person knows that the known donor died and did not give consent for the posthumous use of the sperm or eggs; or
- (2) The donor or the individual who intends to become a parent through the use of the sperm or eggs receives any remuneration for the donation or use of the sperm or eggs.
(c) A donor's consent to the posthumous use of the donor's sperm or eggs given on or after October 1, 2012 is not valid unless it is:
- (1) In writing; and
- (2) Signed by the donor or by some other person for the donor, in the presence of the donor, and at the express direction of the donor.
(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
- (1) For a first offense, a fine not exceeding $1,000; and
- (2) For a second or subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding $5,000.
Added by Acts 2012, c. 649, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2012. Amended by Acts 2013, c. 43, § 1, eff. April 9, 2013; Acts 2013, c. 644, § 1, eff. June 1, 2013.