Abstract
The shortage of sperm donors in formal settings (i.e., assisted reproduction clinics) and the availability of sperm donors in informal
settings (such as through contacts on the internet) motivated us to investigate why men may prefer either a formal or an
informal setting for sperm donation. Interviews with ten sperm donors and non-sperm donors yielded 55 reasons for sperm donation
in the two settings. These reasons were categorized according to similarity by 14 sperm donors and non-sperm donors. These
categorizations were then structured by means of hierarchical cluster analysis. Reasons favouring formal settings included being
legally and physically protected, evading paternal feelings or social consequences, and having a simple, standardized procedure
in terms of effort and fi nances. Reasons favouring informal settings related to engagement, the possibility to choose a recipient,
lack of rules and regulations, having contact with the donor child, and having an (intimate) bond with the recipient. The overview
of reasons identifi ed may help potential sperm donors decide on whether to donate in a formal or informal setting, and may fuel
discussions by professionals about the most appropriate conditions and legislation for sperm donation in formal settings.
settings (such as through contacts on the internet) motivated us to investigate why men may prefer either a formal or an
informal setting for sperm donation. Interviews with ten sperm donors and non-sperm donors yielded 55 reasons for sperm donation
in the two settings. These reasons were categorized according to similarity by 14 sperm donors and non-sperm donors. These
categorizations were then structured by means of hierarchical cluster analysis. Reasons favouring formal settings included being
legally and physically protected, evading paternal feelings or social consequences, and having a simple, standardized procedure
in terms of effort and fi nances. Reasons favouring informal settings related to engagement, the possibility to choose a recipient,
lack of rules and regulations, having contact with the donor child, and having an (intimate) bond with the recipient. The overview
of reasons identifi ed may help potential sperm donors decide on whether to donate in a formal or informal setting, and may fuel
discussions by professionals about the most appropriate conditions and legislation for sperm donation in formal settings.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 21-27 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Human Fertility |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |