1. What is Sperm Donation?
Sperm donation is the process by which a healthy man provides semen for use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
There are two main types:
- Anonymous Donation – The donor’s identity is not revealed to the recipient.
- Known Donation – The donor is personally known to the recipient.
2. U.S. Laws and Ethics in Sperm Donation
In the U.S., sperm donation is regulated primarily at the state and clinic level. Key ethical and legal points include:
- Donor anonymity laws vary by state — some states require identity release at a child’s request after adulthood.
- FDA regulations require thorough medical screening for all donors.
- Contracts ensure that the donor has no legal parental rights or responsibilities.
3. Requirements to Become a Sperm Donor
Most U.S. sperm banks have strict eligibility requirements, including:
- Age: Typically between 18 and 39 years old.
- Health: No genetic disorders, good physical health, normal sperm count and motility.
- Education: Many banks prefer donors with a college degree or current enrollment.
- Lifestyle: Non-smoker, minimal alcohol, no illicit drug use.
Donors also undergo:
- Physical exams.
- Infectious disease testing.
- Genetic screening.
- Psychological evaluations.
4. The Medical Process of Sperm Donation
Step 1: Application and preliminary screening.
Step 2: Semen analysis to assess quality.
Step 3: Full medical and genetic testing.
Step 4: Donation sessions at the clinic (usually 1–2 times per week).
Step 5: Six-month quarantine period — sperm is stored and donors are retested for diseases before release.
5. Compensation and Tax Considerations
In the U.S., sperm donors are compensated for their time and effort, not for the sperm itself (to comply with ethical guidelines).
- Typical pay: $70–$120 per donation session.
- Weekly earnings: Up to $1,000 for frequent donations.
- Taxable income: Payments are generally considered taxable, so donors should keep records for IRS reporting.
6. Why Sperm Donation Matters to Society
Sperm donation:
- Supports individuals with infertility.
- Helps LGBTQ+ families grow.
- Advances reproductive medical research.
- Offers genetic diversity in donor-conceived children.
7. Privacy and Donor Rights
Donors sign contracts defining their rights:
- No parental obligations or financial responsibilities.
- Protection of personal identity unless otherwise agreed.
- Secure storage of donor profiles in sperm bank records.
8. Recipient Considerations
Recipients should:
- Choose accredited sperm banks (look for American Society for Reproductive Medicine – ASRM compliance).
- Review donor medical and personal profiles.
- Understand legal parentage laws in their state.
9. How to Find a Reliable Sperm Bank
Look for:
- FDA compliance.
- Strong donor screening process.
- Positive reviews and success rates.
- Clear policies on donor anonymity and legal protection.
Popular U.S. sperm banks:
- California Cryobank
- Fairfax Cryobank
- Seattle Sperm Bank
10. Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
Sperm donation in the U.S. is a medically safe, legally protected, and socially valuable process. Whether you’re considering becoming a donor or using donated sperm, understanding the procedures, laws, and ethical considerations will help you make the best decision for your situation.
By working with reputable sperm banks and understanding your rights, you can confidently participate in a process that changes lives.