Characteristics of men willing to act as sperm donors in the context of identity-release legislation

BACKGROUND: Although ongoing legislative changes are important to protect the rights of all involved in assisted reproductive technologies, it cannot be guaranteed that legislation will ensure the successful operation of reproductive health clinics, as is indicated by ongoing reports of a dearth of donor sperm in clinics in some countries. METHODS: Data were 1428 profiles taken from a website that aims to facilitate relationships between those seeking donor sperm and men willing to donate their sperm. Data were coded as three independent variables: age, relationship status and country, and four dependent variables: motivation to donate, willingness to be identified, willingness to be involved with children conceived of donations and beliefs about who should determine the level of involvement. RESULTS: Non-parametric testing indicated that men aged under 26 or over 46, and who were either single or in a same-sex relationship, were most likely to be willing to be identified to children (P < 0.05), and to desire involvement with children (P < 0.01). A significant proportion of men aged between 26 and 46 years of age (P < 0.001) were motivated by a desire to procreate and were unwilling to be identified, as were a significant number of men in opposite-sex relationships (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although limited by its reliance upon a sample constituted by men living in western countries who completed a self-report profile and who had not received counselling about their potential role as donors, this study draws attention to the potential impact of age and sexual orientation upon intentions to donate.