4 Things You Need to Consider Before Donating Sperm
1) Do you already have children?
Have you considered the possibility that your children will have half-siblings? Sperm banks are not required to keep records of live births from a single donor nor limit the number of children conceived. There are donors who have aided in the conception of
over 100 children. Do you want your offspring unwittingly meeting one another?
2) Do you know your family medical history?
If you donate sperm this year, the sperm may be sold for many years to come and potential mothers keep sperm for many years after purchase in an attempt to create biologically full-siblings. Countless inherited genetic illnesses have been passed on to the donor conceived. Many require early intervention to ensure the health and survival of the children. It is of the utmost importance to give a full and accurate medical history and to update the sperm bank, or families on the DSR, of any illnesses that arise within your family after your date(s) of donation.
3) Are you planning to donate anonymously?
It is important to understand that because of advances in DNA testing and internet databases, the likelihood of your remaining “anonymous” in the future is growing smaller. Have you considered the possibility that even though you have donated anonymously, their is still a chance that your offspring will contact you in the future? By
registering on www.DonorSiblingRegistry.com, you can slightly lift the veil of anonymity even if you do decide to remain anonymous. You could post updated medical records which are tremendously important to families that have no other means of obtaining them. We do ask that you at least consider being a “willing to be known” donor.
4) How would you respond if you were asked, one day in the future,
to meet your biological offspring and their parents?
Your donation is much more than a transaction at a sperm bank. It is likely that more than one child will come to exist as a result of your donation. These children are genetically yours and will go on to have your genetic grandchildren! These children will be curious and want to seek out their genetic “roots.” They will want to know what you look like, if they have inherited any personality traits, and may seek out a family medical
history. You must prepare yourself for this eventuality and understand
that it is human nature to seek out our ancestral heritage. Would this disrupt
your established family?