Artificial insemination using the sperm of an anonymous donor.
Use of the semen of a donor to produce fertilization in cases of infertility where the male partner has oligospermia or impotence. The donor is chosen for ethnic and physical similarity to the male partner and is screened for transmissible diseases (e.g. HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, gonorrhoea, and genetic disorders). The donor has a duty to tell the clinic of any relevant facts about his or her family’s medical history when they donate. If it could be proved he or she had deliberately failed to do so, the resulting offspring could seek compensation through the Courts if born with a resulting abnormality. Insemination is performed at the time of ovulation by introducing the semen into the upper vagina. Semen may be fresh or have been stored frozen in liquid nitrogen. In the UK, the law permits persons over 18, who were conceived in this way, to find out who their donor was. That means the offspring might, as adults, contact their biological father — something potential donors need to consider before offering their sperm. However, the donor has no legal rights or responsibilities with regard to the child.