Introduction to sperm donor anonymity
In most countries, it is possible to use anonymous sperm donors (also called Non-ID Release Donors) to become pregnant. However, in countries like the UK, it is only possible to use non-anonymous sperm donors (also called ID Release donors). Read more about sperm donor anonymity here.
At Cryos, we do not refer to our donors as anonymous or non-anonymous. Instead, we refer to them as Non-ID Release (anonymous) and ID Release (non-anonymous), based on whether or not the donor has agreed to let Cryos reveal identifying information to children born from his donations. Today’s DNA testing and heritage research services have given people new opportunities to learn about their genetic origins. As a result, we do not guarantee or refer to our sperm donors as anonymous.
Use filters to narrow your search
In our Sperm Donor Search, you can use filters to find a donor that matches your preferences. Click on the button below to create a free account and see all available donors in our Donor Search.
The difference between open and anonymous sperm donors
All potential donors at Cryos are either Non-ID Release or ID Release. Once the donor has chosen whether to be ID Release or not, he cannot change his decision.
ID Release sperm donors have agreed to let Cryos release identifying information to children conceived from their donations. Any child conceived with the help of an ID Release Donor can enquire about the information once they turn 18 (in some countries 16). In contrast, Non-ID Release Donors wish to preserve their anonymity, and Cryos will never reveal a Non-ID Release Donor’s identity.
Finding information about sperm donors
Future parents can find information about the donors in our Donor Search. Basic Profiles contain basic information about their physical features and their background. Extended Profiles contain much more information about the donor. Some examples of what to find in Extended Profiles are a handwritten letter explaining why they became a donor, a voice recording, and pictures of themselves as children. Some sperm donors even have photos of themselves as grown-ups available on their profiles. Use the filter Adult Photos to find these donors. Follow the link to read more about the different Sperm Donor Profiles.
Regardless of which type of donor and donor profile you choose, the online donor profile will not contain the donor’s name, contact information, or any other identifying information. Children conceived with the help of an ID Release Donor can enquire about their donor's contact information once they turn 18.
Relevant articles about sperm donor anonymity
Anonymous sperm donor and the impact on children
Even after 70 years of sperm donation, the question of whether donors should be Non-ID Release or ID Release is still widely debated all over the world. Some donor-conceived persons consider it their right to know their genetic origin, while many others are perfectly happy knowing that an altruistic man helped their parent(s) bring them to life and have no desire to meet or know more about the donor.
ID Release or not, studies show that donor-conceived children a generally doing well. Follow the link to read more learnings about donor-conceived people.
Tips for navigating sperm donor anonymity
Whether you choose a Non-ID Release Donor or an ID Release Donor, studies show that talking to your child about donor conception from an early age is important. Make the story of how they came to be a natural part of their life. Telling your child about donor conception from an early age has several benefits:
- You get your story straight: You probably do not know how to explain donor conception or how you prefer to talk about the donor. However, by starting early you can practice telling the story to ensure that you get it right to avoid any confusion.
- You avoid secrets: By being honest from the beginning, you avoid keeping secrets and hiding things from your child. According to the Donor Conception Network, children should ideally grow up not remembering the moment when they were told that they were donor-conceived.
- Your relationship will likely be better: Studies show that children who know from a very young age (before reaching school age and preferably even sooner) have a closer relationship with their parents as they grow up and have more positive feelings about being donor-conceived.
Learn more about donor-conceived children and read personal stories via this link.
Sperm donor parental rights
During the application process, all donors must sign a contract waiving all legal rights towards the child. As a result, you do not have to worry about parental rights or responsibilities - no matter whether they are ID Release or Non-ID Release.
Donor-conceived children and their stories
We have talked to different donor-conceived children who were conceived using a Non-ID Release Donor. Follow the links below to read their story about growing up as donor-conceived:
- Fredrik came into the world with the help of a donor
- Being egg donor-conceived – and finding out as an adult
- Anna - my life as a donor-conceived child
Are you considering using a sperm donor to fulfil your dreams of parenthood? Then click on the button below to book a free call with one of our experienced Customer Care Consultants.
Frequently asked questions about sperm donor anonymity
Can a sperm donor stay anonymous?
If a sperm donor chooses to be Non-ID Release, Cryos will never release his information to children born from his donations. Nevertheless, with today’s DNA-testing services, there is a possibility that children and donors will find each other, despite the donor being Non-ID Release.
What does removing your donor anonymity mean?
If you donated your eggs, sperm, or embryos before 31 March 2005, you were an anonymous donor. This means adults or persons conceived from your donation can only access non-identifying information about you.