Female couples, single women and heterosexual couple with male factor infertility may consider using a sperm donor to achieve pregnancy. Making that decision is only the first step, and more decisions must be made before the actual procedure takes place.
Choosing the right donor
Donors can be known or unknown. For some lesbian couples, a friend or relative is used. If a relative is chosen, both parents can share a genetic heritage to the child. So, one parent provides the egg and the other uses a relative to provide the sperm.
More often, where a sperm bank or anonymous private donor is used, there will be no chance to meet the donor! In terms of a sperm bank, this is where comprehensive donor profiles come into use. This allows prospective parents to have as much information as possible before they make their choice.
Choosing the right sperm bank
But before you choose the donor, let’s take a quick look at some criteria for choosing a sperm bank. Sperm banks are just that – repositories for human sperm, carefully indexed and cryogenically frozen. That simple description aside, there can be a lot of misconceptions surrounding sperm banks, and even potential mistakes prospective parents can make when selecting one.
The five criteria
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Your own genetics are key
Most people are concerned about the potential donor’s genetics, completely ignorant of their own genetic background. This is why the recipient should ALSO undergo genetic testing before the process of artificial insemination is undertaken. While many banks can provide expanded carrier testing on all donors and recipients, some are partnered with genetics testing companies.
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Check the vetting process the sperm bank uses for its donors
Prospective parents should use a licensed sperm bank for assurance that the donors have undergone physical and genetic evaluation. Beware of finding your donor via a social media group! Whilst this may save a lot of money, genetic testing is an important part of your potential child’s future!
Some sperm banks expand their screening, to include donor background, education verification, psychological and personality assessments. Sperm banks can even offer genetic counsellors to assist parents in finding the best genetic match for their future family.
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How well does your prospective sperm bank understand YOUR special requirements for your family?
This is another aspect well worth considering. Not all sperm banks understand the particular challenges that today’s parents make on the path to a unique family.
For instance, same-sex parents may choose a sperm bank that has a track record of empowering LGBTQ families. Other parents may use organisations that understand their cultural or religious background to guide them proactively and with empathy.
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Think about what the future child might want
Its understandable to choose a donor based on physical features, but this should not be the only concern.
In many locations now, donor identity can be disclosed when the child turns 18 years old. Take into account other attributes, such as the potential accessibility of the donor when the child comes of age.
This is something that should be thought about and discussed with the sperm bank. A good sperm bank will have the answers to reassure you.
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Don’t be misled by window dressing
Parents are advised to get beyond the advertising. For instance, an adorable photo of a sperm donor when he was a baby is great. But what does he look like now? And it’s worth bearing in mind that although modern technology can provide wonders such as face-matching services and lookalike programs – nothing beats a photo!
Sperm banks are one way of choosing a sperm donor, but as mentioned, there are others, which we haven’t fully covered here. Such as that reputable clinics often have their own or associated sperm donor programmes.
When researching sperm banks, it is useful to have a starting point of research questions you might want to ask.
