Children are a blessing and a shared desire in adulthood. However, heterosexual couples with male factor infertility, same-sex couples, and single adults may be limited from experiencing parenting joy. That’s where a sperm donor in Australia comes into play.
About 60,000 children have been birthed with sperm donors, with the highest demand from women in same-sex relationships and women who want babies without a male partner. Are you contemplating a donation? Most often wonder, can anyone become a sperm donor?
Who Is Fit to Be a Sperm Donor?
In Australia, any healthy man between the age of 21 and 45 qualifies to become a sperm donor. There are two types of sperm donors: de-identified and identified sperm donors. With de-identified sperm donation, your identity is not shared during the treatment. On the other hand, you are known to the recipient and already have an existing relationship with identified sperm donation.
What Do Sperm Donors Need During the Verification Process?
You’ll be required to provide your family medical history and undergo a medical and psychological evaluation to establish your eligibility. Another requirement is providing a donor profile, which ranges from personality traits, appearance, education, a message to the unborn child, and openness to contact. Note that those with genetic conditions or diseases that can be passed down to potential children can’t donate.
Are There Any Implications to Donating?
Yes, they are. Unfortunately, it doesn’t end with donating the sperm. This procedure is physical, but there are emotional and psychological effects to watch out for. For instance, how may one feel towards the offspring? In addition, will the genetic connection between the offspring and other members of your family be an issue? You also have to accommodate the recipients’ varying backgrounds and beliefs. Lastly, those donating to people they know may have contact with the child and specifying your role in their lives is crucial.
That’s why extensive counselling is provided to the potential donor and their partners or families where applicable. After completing these steps, the donor will provide a sample test at a clinic. It is to vet the quality of the sperm, upon which you’ll provide more samples that will be frozen and quarantined for further screening.
Is Sperm Donation In Australia Paid for?
No sperm donor is paid for their contribution. It is illegal in Australia to receive payment for any human tissue, including sperm, embryos, or eggs. Still, you can be compensated for reasonable costs, such as parking fees incurred during the process.
Is It Possible to Donate Anonymously?
You can’t donate sperm anonymously in Australia. Generally, recipients and their children will access the non-identifying details provided during the donation process. These include the medical and family history, your profile and the number of children birthed by your donation.
Additionally, donor-conceived children can always access your identifying information upon turning 18. These include your name, birth date, and address. States like New South Wales have central sperm donor registries for keeping this information. In other cases, the fertility clinic must keep these details.
Why Can’t Donors Stay Anonymous?
Initially, donors had the option of staying anonymous. However, the lack of biological and background information caused a distressing factor for most donor-conceived children. A common myth is that lack of anonymity can put off donors. But men that choose to undergo sperm donations are thoughtful and understand the need for wanting a family. It is worth noting that their intentions are positive.
Conclusion
Sperm donors can transform lives by bringing happiness to any family that feels incomplete. If you are thinking of donating your sperm, your decision could put a smile on another person’s face. You can visit the nearest fertility clinic to determine your eligibility. Also, speak to your medical doctor about any issues raised in the article.