How Does the Process Work in a Sperm or Egg Bank?
Sperm or egg donors and recipients go through 3 steps:
- Medical
- Legal
- Psychological
Medical
This involves testing and screening of you and your partner as well as the donors and typically includes:
- Medical history and exam
- Testing for sexually transmitted diseases
- Genetic carrier screening for potential risks
Legal
Laws and contractual agreements are important elements in the process of sperm or egg donor banks and cover obligations, roles and expectations of both donors and recipients. These are reviewed and signed by both donors and recipients and typically contain the following elements:
- Financial responsibilities
- Plans for future contact
- Other arrangements
Psychological
Being a donor or recipient carries important emotional and psychological milestones that are addressed in specific counseling sessions prior to the donation.
Having prepared and discussed these during the donor counseling process allow everyone to be ready to be part of this exciting journey.
Evaluation specific to the recipient of the donation:
- Mental preparedness and status
- Readiness to accept another’s genetic material as their child
- Disclosure to others
- Contact of all parties once child is born
Donor evaluation:
- Mental status and preparedness
Know Your Facts On Sperm and Egg Donation
Sperm and egg donation banks are wonderful avenues that provide thousands of men and women with the option to fulfill their dream of a family. As you consider this option, be aware of a few important facts and recommendations:
- Consult with a fertility specialist who is trained in reproductive medicine – laws fluctuate by state and country
- Secure legal counsel who specializes in reproductive law in the state in which you and the donor reside
- Make certain your psychological counselors are trained in donor transfers
- Work through how and what your future child and others will understand about this process
- Know the privacy laws and how that affects the documents of this contractual agreement
Related Topics
Donor Sperm
Using Donor Eggs for IVF
Donor and Surrogacy