Directed (Known) Sperm Donation at Sperm Bank Inc.

Directed sperm donation, also known as known sperm donation, is a form of sperm donation in which the donor and recipient(s) have a pre-existing relationship or connection. Unlike anonymous sperm donation, where the donor's identity is kept confidential from the recipient, in directed sperm donation, the donor and recipient(s) are aware of each other's identities and usually have some level of a pre-established relationship and/or arrangement.

The process of directed sperm donation involves the following steps:

Relationship

The donor and the recipient(s) already know each other, either as friends, family members, or acquaintances. They may have discussed the possibility of the donor providing sperm to help the recipient(s) conceive.

Agreement

Both parties agree to proceed with the directed sperm donation. They discuss and agree on the terms of the arrangement, including any legal, financial, and emotional considerations. It's essential to have open and honest communication during this process to ensure that everyone's expectations are understood and respected.

Legal and Medical Aspects

While directed sperm donation involves known individuals, it's still essential to involve legal and medical professionals to ensure that all parties are protected legally and medically. Legal agreements must be drawn up to clarify parental rights and responsibilities, and medical tests and screenings will be conducted to ensure the donor's sperm is safe for use. If any risk factors are identified through the medical, social or family history, they are presented to the recipient(s) and their provider for further discussion. It is important that the recipient(s) and their provider understand the potential risks of utilizing a known sperm donor.

Fertility Treatments

Depending on the fertility status of the recipient(s), various fertility treatments, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), may be used to increase the chances of successful conception.
A gestational carrier (surrogate) may also be part of the directed donor process. Not all fertility treatments are recommended when utilizing a gestational carrier and additional consents and agreements are needed. This process is generally done through an agency or IVF center.

Parental Rights and Responsibilities

In directed sperm donation, the legal aspects can become more complex compared to anonymous donations. It's crucial to establish clear parental rights and responsibilities, especially if the donor is to be involved in the child's life in some capacity. This may include decisions about custody, visitation, and financial support. FCC requires a legal agreement to be on file between the known sperm donor and the recipient(s) prior to cryopreserving sperm vials.

Directed sperm donation can be a positive experience for some families, as it allows the child to have more detailed knowledge of their genetic heritage and potentially maintain a relationship with the donor. It can allow for recipient(s) to maintain a genetic family link to their child or choose physical, social, educational, ethnic or medical characteristics important to them for their donor. However, it also comes with unique challenges and considerations, such as potential emotional complexities and legal issues. Therefore, anyone considering directed sperm donation should seek professional counseling and legal advice to understand the implications fully and make informed decisions.

Below is an abbreviated checklist that all directed donor program patients must fulfill to participate in our directed sperm donor program. It also gives rough timelines and additional information that may be helpful in this family planning process. Because each directed sperm donor situation is different, we require a phone consultation with one of our coordinators prior to setting up any appointments. Please contact Haley or Aron for additional information.

Directed Donation Checklist for Recipient(s) and Donor:

  1. Obtain a legal agreement between the recipient(s) and donor. It is recommended that the recipient(s) and donor have separate legal counsel. For a list of attorney recommendations in Southern California please click here.
  2. Have an initial phone consultation with a Sperm Bank Inc coordinator to go over the process in detail, obtain accurate pricing information for individual needs and receive information on timing or additional requirements.
  3. Both recipient(s) and donors complete new patient forms (via Docusign), which include registration paperwork and general consents.
  4. A semen analysis is performed for the potential directed sperm donor at one of our clinic locations. This initial analysis will help determine the sperm quality and adequacy for the recipient(s) needs. Results are generally available in 5-7 business days.
  5. If the potential directed sperm donor is cleared for donations a cryopreservation plan is formed between the recipient(s) and directed donor coordinator. This plan will indicate things such as, planned artificial reproductive method, which facility the recipient(s) plan to receive care at, how many vials are desired to be made, if the facility providing care to the recipient (s)requires a quarantine period and a desired timeline to begin a fertility cycle for insemination.
  6. All cryopreservation appointments are scheduled for the sperm donor. This helps to avoid lengthy wait times and unwanted quarantine re-testing requirements. At each donation appointment day, the coordinator will reach out to the recipient(s) to update them on important information such as sample quality and number of vials made. The donation process is never set in stone. Depending on each sample donated by the sperm donor, recommendations may be provided to the recipient(s) by a coordinator to ensure the desired quality and number of vials is met. If additional collection appointments are recommended, the pricing and timeline will be discussed with the recipient(s) prior to scheduling. Part of the sperm donor’s appointments will include a physical exam, FDA donor infectious disease testing, a social, medical, family and travel history questionnaire and a possible genetic screening.
  7. Any necessary quarantine period takes place. Although the FDA allows for recipient(s) to waive quarantine periods, each facility and provider may have their own internal policies for quarantine. If a facility or provider requires a quarantine period, the cryopreserved sample will be held at Sperm Bank Inc for the specified period. Upon the completion of the quarantine period, the directed sperm donor will be re-tested for infectious diseases. Quarantine periods can range from 1 month to six months.
  8. The evaluation process is performed. After all appointments are completed, including any quarantine periods and infectious disease re-testing, an evaluation period begins. This evaluation period is where Sperm Bank Inc assesses for risk factors pertaining to the directed sperm donor. This is a crucial step for FDA compliance so that the recipient(s) are able to properly use donated sperm vials safely and easily. This process can take several weeks.
  9. A waiver of risk is provided to the recipient(s) and their provider (is necessary). If risk factors are identified with the directed sperm donor the recipients are required to review them with their provider. Each fertility center and provider is different in how they view directed sperm donation and relevant risk factors. Reviewing the identified risks with a medical professional is a vital step to gain knowledge and information on how those risks might affect the recipient(s) and/or future child(ren). The waiver must be signed and returned to Sperm Bank Inc prior to the final vial release. The timeline for a waiver of risk review with an outside provider varies. It is recommended that the recipient(s) speak to the facility providing fertility care to determine the internal process for this requirement.
  10. A final summary of records is generated by Sperm Bank Inc. and the directed sperm donor/recipient chart is reviewed by Sperm Banks Inc’s medical director. If all requirements have been met, the vials will officially be available for use to the recipient(s).

Please note that each facility will have their own internal policies and procedures when it comes to directed sperm donation and receiving sperm vials to their facility. It is important to have an open line of communication with Sperm Bank Inc and your Facility. It is not recommended for you to begin and fertility treatments or cycles until your faculty has received the cryopreserved sperm vials.

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