Sperm donors - Part 1

I’ve been looking A LOT into sperm banks, regulations and potential implications. It’s so hard (for any parent not just solo mums), to almost predict what your child would prefer in terms of a donor. We can only do what we think is best for them.

Below are the characteristics that have now become super important to me as I believe they are in the best interest of my future child:

• Donor sperm never exported or imported from outside the UK.

• This should mean a worldwide family limit of 10 (UK limit is 10, but each country has their own limit, which means 1 donor from an international sperm bank, could be used for 40+ families. I’ve seen some state limits of 75! Too many half siblings to comprehend)

• Has biological children already (e.g. with a partner) rather than single. I’ve read stories of child making contact at 18, and the donor’s partner being uncomfortable. A donor who donates while in a relationship, might indicate the partner is supportive of the donation.

• Goodwill message indicating donor is happy to meet the child (while donors can be contacted at 18, mentioning in the goodwill message would be a good sign they are particularly excited about meeting)

This has led me to looking to much smaller UK sperm banks, e.g. those attached to NHS hospitals. I’m thinking to put a list together and posting as a separate blog – let me know if that would be of interest?

One major downside of using smaller UK sperm banks, is that there would be no photos should the child want to see what their donor looks like. UK donors do not supply photos. However, I will have details like eye colour, hair colour, height, race, etc.

Would love hear what was important to you when choosing a sperm donor?

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