Bypassing the sperm bank: documenting the experiences of online informal sperm donors

ABSTRACT

Online informal sperm donation is an emerging phenomenon that relies on online platforms (social media or connection websites) to introduce donors and recipients; the donation process and subsequent interactions between the two parties take place according to informal, non-legal arrangements. Our research objective is to cultivate a deeper understanding of this phenomenon from the donor perspective, exploring donor expectations, motivations and experiences. We conducted semi-structured interviews lasting 45–75 minutes with six online informal sperm donors. Our analysis approach drew from the phenomenological reduction process, applying content and thematic analysis methods. Personal agency, procreation and altruism emerged as central themes. Participants expressed personal agency as freedom to define and enact their roles as donors, including selecting recipients, negotiating terms and conditions of donation, and pursuing contact with the donor child. Procreation, for some, meant continuing their genetic lineage without parental responsibilities, while others valued being part of a non-normative family structure, or expressed satisfaction from prolific procreation. All participants felt that online informal sperm donation was an altruistic act, and accepted certain personal sacrifices and risks. Online informal sperm donation is a distinct and complex phenomenon, and should be distinguished from related phenomena (such as institutional sperm donation), especially by researchers, health practitioners, policy makers and other stakeholders. A better understanding of online informal sperm donation serves to inform future policy, practice and research directives.

KEYWORDS:

• Assisted reproduction
• phenomenology
• connection website
• sperm donation
• sperm donor

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the six online informal sperm donors who enthusiastically participated in this research. We also acknowledge the valuable contribution of Prof. Janice Ahola-Sidaway and Prof. Angel Foster, who provided guidance and feedback on early drafts of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.