AZE.US
In Kazakhstan, paternity testing has become routine rather than exceptional. Local data suggest that roughly one in three tests returns a negative result, a trend researchers there link to family infidelity and the widespread use of assisted reproductive technologies.
But what about Azerbaijan?
There is no publicly available official data on paternity testing in Azerbaijan, making it difficult to assess the scope of the issue. However, legal experts and medical observers acknowledge that assisted reproductive procedures involving donor material are being actively used.
On social media platforms, advertisements offering sperm and follicle donation can be found openly. Some posts promise women between 500 and 800 manats over a 10-day period in exchange for becoming follicle donors. Eligibility criteria are often clearly listed.
According to sources familiar with the process, families seeking in vitro fertilization (IVF) may request donors who closely resemble one of the parents to avoid suspicion within their social circles. Physicians then search for what is described as a “suitable match.”
Under Azerbaijani law, sperm and follicle donation is permitted under certain conditions and is generally limited to a single occurrence. At the same time, advertising assisted reproductive services is prohibited under advertising legislation.
Despite this, observers report a growing number of individuals willing to provide biological material near some private clinics in the capital.
Medical and Legal Concerns
The issue extends beyond questions of legality. Critics raise concerns about long-term transparency, donor awareness, and potential future complications.
Women who agree to donate follicles are typically given hormonal injections to stimulate egg maturation. While a single follicle retrieval may be presented formally, multiple follicles can be extracted during the same procedure. Medical professionals note that each follicle can be used in separate fertilization attempts.
If procedures go beyond what is legally permitted, they may fall under criminal liability.
Lawyer Ruslan Mustafayev told Bizim.Media that Article 137 of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code предусматривает ответственность за незаконную торговлю человеческими органами и тканями, а также за незаконное донорство. Penalties range from fines of 6,000 to 9,000 manats to up to three years of imprisonment, including a ban on holding certain positions.
“We receive a significant amount of information about such negative cases. However, there is virtually no public information about prosecutions,” Mustafayev said.