Sperm Bank Seeks to Bridge Gap in Donor Identification

The Sperm Bank of California is an unusual bank in that 40% of its clients are single women, and it takes an especially open approach to donation. At the request of families, the bank has been trying “to help bridge what has been a big gap” between donors and recipients, said Executive Director Barbara Raboy.

Since 1983, the sperm bank has asked donors if they will sign a contract authorizing release of the donor’s identity (including address, Social Security number and driver’s license number) to any offspring who petition the center in writing after reaching age 18. About half of the donors agree, said Raboy. Information is not released to the donor concerning the recipient or the child.

All donors fill out a 12-page, non-identifying personal history questionnaire that is provided to women who become pregnant.

Last year, the Sperm Bank of California provided specimens to 1,200 different consumers. Raboy said approximately 75% of the recipients perform the insemination themselves at home.

Raboy has found that the existence of detailed information about donors and the option of knowing the identity of the donor has helped people decide to pursue donor insemination. “It helps them feel this is OK, especially knowing as they begin to raise the child if they feel they want to be honest, there is something more the kids can know about the donor than kids could have known 20 years ago.

“There is a real need to bring the technology out” into the open, she said, “and see that kids can be accepting of this and not feel alienated or distant from the family raising them.”