Sperm Donation

New doco explores pain of children of anonymous sperm donors

Michael Cook | 26 November 2011

A new documentary presents first person stories of anonymous sperm donors. Anonymous Father's Day features the reflections of now adult children fathered anonymously. They share the pain, longing and uncertainties created by the secrecy of their conceptions. The producers have taken a rather negative view of the IVF industry.

The world of the donorsexual

Michael Cook | 22 October 2011

What kind of man becomes a sperm donor? A Swedish study in BJOG, an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology, says that donors are actually a cut above the average Swedish male: they “suffer less from uncertainty, shyness and fatigability”, they have “a capacity to take responsibility, to behave in a goal-directed manner, to be resourceful and self-acceptant, and to behave in a manner guided by meaningful values and goals”. In short, donors are “stable, mature and well-integrated”.

UK increases compensation for sperm and egg donors

Michael Cook | 22 October 2011

Was the outcome of the UK’s fertility watchdog’s public consultation over compensation for sperm and egg donors ever in doubt? This week the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority announced that it was increasing allowable fees for egg donors from £250 to £750 per cycle and introducing a £35 per visit compensation for sperm donors.

Women as young as 18 seek Internet sperm donors

Jared Yee | 15 October 2011

While IVF was initially intended for women whose biological clocks had run out or who could not conceive naturally, some young women are seeking sperm donors because they have not found the man of their dreams.

Sperm donors father colossal families in Canada, US

Jared Yee | 15 October 2011

Experts are concerned about lax regulations on sperm donation in Canada and the US where some men have anonymously fathered dozens of children.

Experts comment on sperm donor with 150 offspring

Michael Cook | 17 September 2011

The New York Times recently revealed that one American sperm donor had 150 offspring. This became a major story which prompted much comment. Ten experts were asked to comment. Here are some highlights:

Should sperm donors be anonymous?

Jared Yee | 08 September 2011

The rights of sperm donors to anonymity are being reviewed in Australia.

Sperm donor has 150 sons and daughters

Jared Yee | 08 September 2011

Cynthia Daily and her partner used donated sperm to conceive a baby seven years ago, and they hoped that one day their son would meet some of his half siblings – a sort of extended family.

Sydney sperm donor removed from birth certificate

Michael Cook | 20 August 2011

A Sydney sperm donor has been erased from his 10-year-old daughter’s birth certificate and replaced with the lesbian partner of the biological mother.

Tell kids early, says report on sperm donation

Michael Cook | 12 August 2011

Donor could be erased from Sydney birth certificate

Michael Cook | 06 August 2011

Imagine this. You are the biological father of nine-year-old daughter, although you are not living with the mother. You have helped to support the mother. You have contributed thousands of dollars to your daughter’s education and upkeep. You have been in contact with her every day of her life.

Donor anonymity disappears in British Columbia

Michael Cook | 21 May 2011

IVF sperm and egg donors can no longer be anonymous in the Canadian province of British Colombia, a judge has ruled. It was a victory for Olivia Pratten, a 29-year-old journalist.

US women join class-action lawsuit demanding more money for eggs

Michael Cook | 16 April 2011

Thousands of women across the United States have joined a class-action suit demanding better compensation for egg donors. The case was lodged this week in San Francisco by two firms, Finkelstein Thompson and Cafferty Faucher. It claims that the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology and the San Francisco-based Pacific Fertility Center engaged in anti-competitive behaviour to fix the price paid to egg donors.

Sperm and egg donors should lose anonymity, says Australian govt report

Michael Cook | 12 February 2011

Contains controversial recommentations

Pay sperm donors more, says UK official

Michael Cook | 28 October 2010

The "commitment, dedication and selflessness" of sperm donors needs to be recognised

Canadian journalist fights for abolition of sperm donor anonymity

Michael Cook | 15 October 2010

Case held up in the courts

Ban pornography in UK IVF clinics, says think tank

Michael Cook | 25 September 2010

IVF doctors ridicules proposal

Canadian IVF doctor accused of using own sperm

Michael Cook | 18 September 2010

Former president of Planned Parenthood accused

UK fertility watchdog considers sperm and egg market

Michael Cook | 28 August 2010

Floating ideas before public consultation

Sperm donor offspring seek more respect and rights

Jared Yee | 21 August 2010

Children of donors speak out