Why I Became a Sperm Donor
Why I Became a Sperm Donor – By an Anonymous Donor
My own route to parenthood was not traditional. I have always wanted children and formed my own family through adoption. Along the way, I've witnessed many friends and acquaintances struggle with infertility, and I felt a strong desire to help. Becoming a sperm donor seemed like a perfect opportunity to assist others in starting a family.
Where Did I Start?
Like many people, I turned to Google for answers and discovered Complete Fertility. I preferred not to travel to London, and Complete Fertility was the most accessible clinic for me. My first conversation was with Amy, the donor coordinator, last summer. She carefully explained the process, and after undergoing initial tests and screenings, I was cleared to start donating. This process unfolded over the winter, and I scheduled donations around my work commitments. The tests, which included sperm count, genetic history, and health assessments, were straightforward and necessary.
The Process
From my perspective, everyone at the clinic was wonderful. Initially, I was surprised to learn that 15 donations were needed. I was well aware that any resulting children could learn my identity once they turned 18, and I also had the option to ask the clinic and the HFEA about how many children were born using my donations. I think it's lovely that donors can stay informed about the outcomes, and I know of donors who call once a year to get updates.
As part of the process, I was asked to provide a personal statement but it is optional. The information I provided included my height, eye colour, and the personal statement for the children to read when they reach 18.
The impact of writing this statement was profound for me. It felt incredible to offer these individuals a sense of identity. I wrote, that if someone wants to knock on my door at 18, they will be welcome especially if it helps them understand their sense of identity. They can choose to have a relationship with me or decide not to; either way, it's fine. What matters most to me is that I've helped others, and I hope my donation allows them to grow into happy, confident individuals.
Through this experience, I've found a unique way to contribute to the happiness of others. Knowing that I played a role in helping families come together is incredibly rewarding, and I wouldn't change it for anything.
