title: An inventory of reasons for sperm donation in formal versus informal settings.
abstract: The shortage of sperm donors in formal settings (i.e., assisted reproduction clinics) and the availability of sperm donors in informal settings (such as through contacts on the internet) motivated us to investigate why men may prefer either a formal or an informal setting for sperm donation. Interviews with ten sperm donors and non-sperm donors yielded 55 reasons for sperm donation in the two settings. These reasons were categorized according to similarity by 14 sperm donors and non-sperm donors. These categorizations were then structured by means of hierarchical cluster analysis. Reasons favouring formal settings included being legally and physically protected, evading paternal feelings or social consequences, and having a simple, standardized procedure in terms of effort and finances. Reasons favouring informal settings related to engagement, the possibility to choose a recipient, lack of rules and regulations, having contact with the donor child, and having an (intimate) bond with the recipient. The overview of reasons identified may help potential sperm donors decide on whether to donate in a formal or informal setting, and may fuel discussions by professionals about the most appropriate conditions and legislation for sperm donation in formal settings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Utrecht University , Utrecht , the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Ercolie R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Bossema
authors.forename: Pim M W
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Janssens
authors.forename: Roswitha G L
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Treucker
authors.forename: Frieda
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Landwehr
authors.forename: Kor
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: van Duinen
authors.forename: Annemiek W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Nap
authors.forename: Rinie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Geenen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D013094:Spermatozoa; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult