World's First HIV-Positive Sperm Bank Launches With Three Donors

The world's first HIV-positive sperm bank is launching in New Zealand.

Sperm Positive was founded in hopes of destigmatizing the process for those hoping to become parents, as three donors -- who are living with HIV but cannot pass it on -- have donated to the cause.

The donors, although not cured of the disease themselves, have an undetectable viral load -- the virus in their blood is too low to be detected through testing, which means they cannot transmit the virus to a sexual partner or child.

Sperm Positive does not act as a fertility clinic, but will assist a donor and donor-seeker in finding the appropriate fertility clinic.

Damien Rule-Nea was one of the first donors. He was diagnosed with HIV in 1999, but has been confirmed undetectable since starting treatment 18 years ago.

He said there is still a lack of education in New Zealand to what an undetectable status means, and has experienced the stigma of living with the disease.

"I have many friends who are also living with HIV who've gone on to have children," he told The Guardian.

"Being able to help others on their journey is so rewarding, but I also want to show the world that life doesn't stop post-diagnosis and help to remove the stigma."

Dr Mark Thomas -- an infectious diseases doctor and Auckland University associate professor -- told the publication, "I'm glad to say that in this time there have been great changes in public understanding of HIV, but many people living with HIV still suffer from stigma."

"Stigma can lead to inconsistent taking of medicines, and result in much less effective treatment of HIV, and risk of transmitting HIV.

"Fear of stigma and discrimination can stop people at risk from getting tested, and those living with HIV from accessing treatment and support. People living with HIV are afraid to have children because of passing it on to their partners or maybe giving it to their child, that's where the fear comes from and that's something we need to eliminate."

Sperm Positive is slated to launch ahead of World AIDS day on December 1.