Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 27, 2026

Origin Sperm Bank and Origin Cryobank (“Origin Sperm Bank”, “Origin Cryobank”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients, donors, and website visitors. We understand the deeply personal nature of the information entrusted to us and treat it with the utmost care and respect.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and otherwise manage personal information, including information gathered through our websites (such as www.originspermbank.com and any associated sibling registry or patient portals – collectively, the “Websites”).

We operate in full compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable Canadian laws, including the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA) and its regulations. By using our services or Websites, you consent to the practices described in this Policy. If you do not agree, please do not provide personal information or use our services.

COLLECTION AND USE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

We collect personal information only for identified purposes that a reasonable person would consider appropriate in the circumstances. We limit collection to what is necessary and obtain meaningful consent where required.

We may collect personal information when you:

Become a client or inquire about our services
Apply to become a sperm donor
Use the Sibling Registry or similar matching services
Participate in interactive features on our Websites (e.g., discussion forums or patient portals)
Register a birth or update family information
Sign up for newsletters or communications
Purchase products or services (including donor specimens)
Apply for employment
Communicate with us by email, phone, or other means

Client Services

When you become a Client, we collect information such as your name, contact details, date of birth, health card number (where applicable), physician information, relevant medical and family history, relationship status, and other details needed to provide safe, high-quality reproductive services, including sperm storage and distribution. We use this information to assess your needs, provide personalized care, schedule appointments, process orders, and communicate with you about your treatment or storage account. We may also use de-identified information for quality improvement, education, or research purposes, in accordance with applicable laws.

Donor Services

When you apply to become a donor, we collect your name, contact details, date of birth, and relevant health, medical, family, and social history, as required under the Safety of Sperm and Ova Regulations. Additional information (such as photos or updates) may be collected if you are accepted as a donor. We use this to evaluate your application, ensure donor suitability and safety, and maintain records as mandated by Health Canada regulations.

Website and Online Services

You may browse most areas of our Websites without registering. However, certain features (e.g., Sibling Registry access, additonal donor profiles) require registration, where we collect your name, contact information, password, and details about your child or family (such as date and place of birth) to provide and administer the requested services. Some registration information may be visible to other registered users, depending on your account settings. You can adjust visibility through your account preferences.

In discussion forums or comment areas, any information you post is accessible to other users. We encourage caution when sharing personal details.

For newsletters, we collect your email address with your consent. You may unsubscribe at any time using the link in the email or by contacting us.

Birth Registration and Administrative Services

You may register births to help us track outcomes and improve services. We may also collect information to process payments, fulfill orders for donor specimens (including physician and donor preferences), respond to job applications, or address your inquiries and comments.

We may use your information to send important updates about your stored samples, account status, or service changes, especially as we work to restore reliable operations following the recent transition.

DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information. Disclosure is limited to the purposes for which it was collected or as permitted or required by law.

We may disclose personal information:

To healthcare professionals (e.g., physicians, nurses) involved in your care
To payment processors, insurers, or funding programs (such as the Ontario Fertility Program where applicable) to facilitate billing or reimbursement
To third-party service providers who assist us (e.g., website hosting, payment processing, secure storage solutions). These providers are contractually bound to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide. Some may process data outside Canada (e.g., in the United States), and we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
In the event of a business transaction (e.g., merger, acquisition, or asset sale), subject to confidentiality protections
To comply with legal obligations, court orders, search warrants, or investigations under Canadian law, including the AHRA and PIPEDA
Where necessary to establish, exercise, or defend legal claims

Donor-related information is handled in accordance with AHRA requirements, which emphasize safety, traceability (via donor codes), and appropriate protections for anonymity where chosen.

SECURITY AND RETENTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information against loss, theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, or modification. Access to sensitive information is password-protected, and we recommend strong, unique passwords. We never request your password via unsolicited communications.

Personal information is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, meet legal and regulatory requirements (including AHRA record-keeping obligations), or resolve disputes. Once no longer required, it is securely destroyed or anonymized.

ACCESS, CORRECTION, AND YOUR RIGHTS

You have the right to access your personal information in our custody or control and to request corrections for inaccuracies, subject to limited exceptions under PIPEDA. To make such a request, please contact us using the details below. We may ask for identification to verify your request and protect the privacy of others.

You may also withdraw consent to certain uses or disclosures (subject to legal or contractual restrictions), and we will inform you of the implications.

COOKIES, WEBSITE ANALYTICS, AND AUTOMATED TECHNOLOGIES

Our Websites use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience, analyze traffic, and deliver personalized content. Cookies help us recognize returning visitors, remember preferences, and improve functionality. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings; however, disabling certain cookies may affect Website performance.

We also collect non-personal technical information (e.g., IP address, browser type, pages visited) to monitor and improve our Websites. This data is generally de-identified.

LINKS TO THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES

Our Websites may contain links to third-party sites for your convenience. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. The revised version will be posted on our Websites with the new “Last Updated” date. We encourage you to review it regularly. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Policy.

QUESTIONS, COMPLAINTS, OR ACCESS REQUESTS

We are committed to addressing any concerns promptly and compassionately. If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, your personal information, or wish to file a complaint, please contact our Privacy Officer:

Origin Sperm Bank and Origin Cryobank

Attn: Privacy Officer

306-56 Aberfoyle Crescent, Toronto, ON M8X2W4

Email: info@originspermbank.com

We will investigate and respond to your concern in a timely manner. You also have the right to escalate unresolved complaints to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada 30 Victoria Street, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 1H3 Telephone: 1-800-282-1376 Website: www.priv.gc.ca

Alternatively, you may also contact the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario at the contact information below to make a complaint:

2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400
Toronto, Ontario M4W 1A8, Canada
Telephone: 416-326-3333 • 1-800-387-0073
Facsimile: 416-325-9195
TTY: 416-325-7539
Website: www.ipc.on.ca

We value your trust and are dedicated to providing clear, reliable communication as we rebuild and strengthen Origin Sperm Bank’s services for you and future families.