India’s caste system, in which people are born into a certain group, is now asserting itself even before birth as more couples in rural areas turn to sperm donors as treatment for infertility.

In Patna, the capital of Bihar, one of the most populous states, Dr. Himanshu Roy runs a popular fertility clinic that also has a sperm bank for patients…Naturally, couples using donated sperm want to know all they can about the donor. In many parts of the world, that would include where a donor went to school, his medical history or what kind of job he had. In Bihar, couples’ primary concern is caste, doctors said…

A gynecologist who runs a fertility center in the adjoining district of Muzaffarpur said that patients can get “fanatical” about knowing the caste of the donor.

“It’s almost like tubes in our sperm banks are labeled with ‘Brahmin,’ Bhumihar,’ ‘Yadav,’ ‘Rajput’ and several other caste stickers,” said the doctor, who asked to remain anonymous because of the sensitivity of the issue. In Bihar, caste plays a large role in society and culture, but many people are reluctant to discuss caste preferences openly out of concern that it would make them appear to be prejudiced…

Even though they are obviously prejudiced.

In a rural state like Bihar, the emphasis on “purity” is driving such inquiries about a sperm donor’s caste, said S.N. Sinha, a sociologist.

“They might think that right caste would ensure the bloodline stays pure,” Mr. Sinha said.

Belief in silliness like a caste system and racial purity are about as backwards as any nation or culture may ever be. Laws and regulations against stupid behavior are useless, of course, if they are not enforced. That has been proven again and again in every part of this world.

Sorry if I’m extra cranky, today. Semi-annual visit to the Derm to get a few old fart sun-lesions frozen off. If my doctor wasn’t bright, politically hip and a ninja – I’d probably find an excuse to pass.