(May 2009, published in a leading men's magazine)
In 1981 a sperm donor entered a small room with erotic magazines at the back of a staff lunchroom at Baylor Medical Center. He ejaculated into a plastic cup, opened a small door in the wall and pushed a buzzer. The cup spun out of sight, with $50 in an envelope returning to its place. Like other men in his position, the donor probably spent the money taking his girlfriend to dinner, getting high or - if he was a frequent enough donor - paying tuition. He was promised anonymity and told not to give a moment's thought to what would happen to the sperm once it left that hole in the wall.
Now the result of that sperm donation, a 27-year-old graduate student named Kathleen LaBounty, is looking for her father. And depending on his own beliefs and life circumstances, the possibility that she will find him is either a modern Hallmark moment or something that will scare the bejesus out of him.
Since its inception more than a century ago, sperm donation has been shrouded in secrecy. In 1884 Dr. William Pancoast, a professor at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, treated an infertile woman by putting her under anesthesia and inseminating her with sperm from his best-looking student. Only when he realized that the child looked just like the donor did he inform the woman's husband. The man said, "Fine, but don't tell my wife."
Even today donor insemination is conducted clandestinely. Couples who create children using donated sperm generally do not tell the child of his or her unique conception. Instead, they let the child, relatives and friends assume the baby is the infertile husband's biological offspring. But changing social norms - including the use of donors by single women, cheap genetic testing and the sleuthing power of the Internet - have created a fissure in the wall of secrecy. About 10 percent of the million children who have issued from donor insemination know a sperm donor seeded their life.
Single women usually tell their child at an early age that his or her biological dad was a donor. College professor Leann Mischel created a quasi-family by getting in touch with 18 other women across the country who, like her, used donor 401 from the Fairfax Crybank in Virginia. With 26 children under the age of seven among them, they are now a support group that shares family photos and child-rearing tips. Once a year many of them gather at a theme park for a unique family reunion where the children, who are half-siblings, can get to know one another. It's only a matter of time, though, before one of the women or children decides to find donor 401.
Technologies that were not anticipated when Kathleen LaBounty was coneived have helped children sneak up on donors. An enterprising 15-year-old tracked down his anonymous sperm donor dad by matching his DNA to that of the donor's family on a genealogical website. The boy paid $289 to familytreedna.com for a genetic test that compared his Y chromosome with other Y chromosomes in a genealogical registry. He found several males with whom he had a biological link. By using the last names of those men, the known birth date of his biological father and country birth records, he was able to identify his donor.
An internet registry that allows recipients to share information about donors also makes it easier to identify them. Wendy Kramer, whose son Ryan was conceived through donor insemination, started donorsiblingregistry.com, where donor-conceived children can find their half siblings. Moms and kids write to ask questions like, "Who else has used donor 2064?" So far, more than 23,100 people have registered on the site, and 6,162 siblings have been matched.
LaBounty's mother was not given a sperm-donor number or any facts about the donor, other than that he had been a student at Baylor Medical School. Undeterred, Kathleen recently wrote to all 600 men who attended the school at the time of her conception. Amazingly, 250 wrote back, and 40 of them had been donors. Some of the men were as eager as she was to make contact. One wrote, "I've been waiting 26 years to get your letter in the mail."
That donor was not alone in his longing for information about the child he'd created. Kramer was shocked when the donors themselves started joining online conversations. More than 750 sperm donors have registered on her website to contact their "children." Other donors have hired private detectives or stolen a peek at private medical records to find out about their biological offspring.
Why would a man who was paid to masturbate now want a relationship with the child? Perhaps the experience of being a sperm donor is not always the lark the infertility industry assumed. Men usually donate sperm when they are young and haven't had children themselves. Later when they marry and become fathers, some begin to wonder what happened to their other children.
And who wouldn't want a beautiful, talented daughter like Kathleen LaBounty without having to go through the stages of colic, potty training, second-grade recitals, and driver's ed? But would donor 401 of Virginia be equally welcoming if 26 young offspring showed up at his doorstep?
The tens of thousands of men who serve as sperm donors each year may soon have to come to grips with those questions. Consumer's demand for more information as they choose donors may make tracking them easier. While LaBounty knows only the date and place of the sperm donation, women seeking sperm donors today receive anywhere from five to 20 pages of information about each potential donor. Although donor 1049's name is not included in his profile, a clinic's entry on him includes a photo showing a clean-cut, cute Californian. He says he's a member of the Clean Oceans Campaign and the Surfrider Foundation. He describes himself as secure, sensitive, innovative, intelligent, creative, thoughtful, ambitious, competitive, respectful, comedic, and optimistic. His SAT score is 1355. His 54-year-old mother is a healthy, intelligent and adventurous painter who wears reading glasses. His brother is a developer. How hard would it be to track down this man?
Searching is not without risk. Jeffrey Harrison, a hot catch as donor 150 in the late 1980s, was described on his donor form as a blue-eyed, six foot-tall lover of philosophy and music. Three years ago two of his sperm-donor children, daughters born into different families, found each other and began their search for him. Instead of encountering a superstar philosophy professor or symphony conductor, they found a man who lives in a trailer and supports himself doing odd jobs.
And what about the donor's current family? Not all donors' wives are pleased when they find out about other children. Some understandably feel threatened.
So far, none of the Baylor donors who have undergone paternity tests have provided to be LaBounty's biological father. But even when connections are made, not everyone proceeds with the same speed, desire or level of interest. One donor wrote on the donor-sibling website, "I flooded my biological daughter with photos of me and her cousins and grandparents. But just as a example, last night, as I was sending off a quick e-mail to her, my wife reminded me that my son was upstairs vegging out on the Discovery Channel instead of brushing his teeth and reading. The clear implication is that time taken to interact with donor-insemination children kids is time taken away from the regular kids, and I parent them less because of it. It's a rearrangement of the social order to have relationships established this late in life."
Kirk Maxey, president of a chemical company, served as a donor for more than a decade at the behest of his then wife, a nurse. Happily married with children of his own, he reached out to two daughters he created through sperm donation. And now he's helping other donors. He created a nonprofit genetic-testing center where donors and children of donors can have their blood tested for genetic markers to see if they match. He is also pushing for laws that would allow children to learn the identity of their donor, even if he had been promised anonymity. Such laws already exist in Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the UK. In early 2009 a Missouri lawmaker introduced a bill that would allow children of sperm donors to learn the donor's identity when they reach the age of 18.
As a result of this social movement, American donors are preparing to deal with paternity tests that finger them as fathers and potential laws that may identify them to their donor children. A California doctor who created 33 donor children while in medical school has rewritten his will. If his donor children sue his estate after he dies, they will each get $1. While it's a lot less than he received for the contents of that little plastic cup, it's still a lot more than he ever bargained for.
About Me
![My photo](http://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUz49hotpxCTMc7N_3fZQyxNx_pl5w1J3JENwx0XQNMVjLARZGaoXOYI3_T7Jtt5k7fGiNf-II7ofKus0bzmTW_KjHsjC2XnTyl9_3hFeIa4eLYc9PwEGiZtpRjZ7yA/s220/KatLexi.jpg)
- Kathleen R. LaBounty - kathleen.ruby.labounty@gmail.com
- http://childofastranger.blogspot.com/
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
53 comments:
Hi
Tks very much for post:
I like it and hope that you continue posting.
Let me show other source that may be good for community.
Source: Bank of America interview questions
Best rgs
David
Welcome to Momsoonivf sperm bank centre. The Bridge Centre is one of the India’s leading fertility, gynecology, genetics and IVF clinics. Our team can diagnose the causes of infertility, as well as support couples and individuals to overcome difficulties with conception through IVF and other fertility treatments. Our success rates from IVF and other fertility treatments are among the best in the country.
Sperm Bank Centre
Thanks for your post. It was an interesting read. I am from Canada and like you, I was conceived at a time when anonymity was the norm. I have no information on my donor, no number, no ethnicity, nothing! It frustrates me that there is nothing I can do about it. Your idea of contacting everyone in your donor's graduating class really interested me. I may try to contact the doctor that did the procedure and probe him a bit more about where the donor made his "donation." Thanks for the idea and motivation to pursue this!
For many people this is important, so check out my profile:
www.coparents.com/
Here comes an Affordable way that will change your life for ever, Candler Hospital Savannah India,are urgently in need of (SPERM DONORS ONLY INDIA CITIZENS CAN APPLY.) for the sum of $100,000.00 USD, Contact Dr.Jame Francis. now on email for more details.(fjames076@gmail.com ) or call: +919036544071
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value.Sperm Donation India
Thanks for posting this informative things to people. This is really helpful for readers.Sperm Donation India
gone through your article..very nice to read..i would like to share you that Milann hospital is ranked as No.1 as best ivf clinics in Bangalore at a recent Times health survey and awarded for Excellence in Best Practices of infertility Sullivan Awards 2016.IVF treatment in bangalore is one in every of major and effective treatments in sterility once alternative routes of assisted generative technology are unsuccessful.
The part of treatment includes secretion dominating the ovulatory method; eliminating eggs from the woman’s ovaries and allowing sperm to fertilizes them in an extremely fluid medium.The zygote(fertilized egg) is then delivered to the patient’s feminine internal sex organ with the attack to determine healthy and positive physiological condition.
For more information visit www.milann.co.in
I like it and hope that you continue posting.
if you wanna play Casino online,
Click Here
goldenslot mobile
จีคลับ
gclub
thank you !
Such a wonderful blog. Thanks for sharing.
IVF Treatment in Pune
Thanks for your post. It was an interesting read. Each couple wishing to render our administrations will be completely assessed by our master group of specialists and regenerative scholars. This will be trailed by a board of examinations considered important to evaluate your richness potential. Psycho-social help to our patients is given by our group of analysts and social specialists, remaining consistent with our way to deal with give a comprehensive consideration as opposed to the treatment of the affliction alone. Susrutha IVF fertility center is there for you with affordable IVF cost in India.
ฟิลเลอร์มีคุณลักษณะ
ยังไง
?
คุณลักษณะ
ของฟิลเลอร์ ช่วยสำหรับเพื่อการ
เก็บกัก
น้ำของชั้นผิวที่ได้รับการปรับปรุง
หน้าตอบ ร่องปน
ลึก ฟิลเลอร์จะช่วยเติมเต็มช่องว่างให้กับเซลล์ผิวหนัง หรือเพิ่มความจุ
ให้กับผิว เทียบเคียง
ได้กับการตำหนิ
ดสปริงให้กับผิว ให้ผิวยืดหยุ่น เต่งตึงกระชับชั้นผิวเรียบเท่ากัน
ลดริ้วรอยเฉา
หร่น
ทำให้บริเวณใบหน้า
มอง
เด็กลงอย่างเห็นได้ชัด
รวมถึง
การปรับรูปหน้า เติมเต็มรูปหน้าให้ได้ส่วน
ได้รูปเพิ่มขึ้น
และก็
จะเสื่อมสภาพ
ไปได้อย่างธรรมชาติ สำหรับหมอ
ผู้ที่มีความชำนาญ
จะสามารถนำฟิลเลอร์ มาเติมเต็มได้ทุกส่วนของผิวฉีดฟิลเลอร์ปาก
ฉีดฟิลเลอร์ ที่ไหนดี
ฉีดฟิลเลอร์ กังนัม
Cm hospital Gynecologist In Adambakkam will help you to know more and more about these labor which would help the pregnant women to be aware of their delivery as well reducing the unwanted fear.
are everyone looking for ways online to get help solving their pregnancy and infertility problems when most of every native American is talking online about the help of Dr Mandaker Alamun. I checked him out when my husband who could not get me pregnant for over 9 years of marriage as a result of low sperm count became fertile and now, I am 5 months pregnant and it is this man known as Dr Mandaker who helped my husband solve his problem. My name is Alecia from CA USA. I would advise anyone and everyone who needs the help of any spell caster in love marriage,finance, job promotion,lottery spell,poker spell,golf spell,Law & Court case Spells,money spell,weigh loss spell,diabetic spell,hypertensive spell,high cholesterol spell,Trouble in marriage,Barrenness(need spiritual marriage separation),good Luck, Money Spells,it's all he does or looking for breakthrough in your political career to meet this Dr Mandaker the link to his website copy this link (witch-doctor.page4.me)His email contact witchhealing@outlook.com for He is a Reliable and trustworthy. I and my husband have gone to different hospitals having the thinking that I was at fault for not getting pregnant. But at the Federal hospital, they examined him too and his sperm count was low and unable to get a woman pregnant as a result of male infertility. It was then I sort out,thanks to Dr Mandaker.
The blog was like reading a book. It is really awesome and on point. Thank you for writing this blog. Hope I will see many blog posts from you.
Also, look at our work for more information related to fertility treatment.
Gynecologist In Velachery
Gynecologist In Medavakkam
Gynecologist In Madipakkam
Gynecologist In Adambakkam
Fertility Centre in Chennai
Very Helpful Articles. agent 928bet It might help you. agent 928bet Thanks For Sharing
agent 928bet Thank you very much.
This Is Really Useful And Nices Information. agent 928bet
This are such great articles. agent 928bet This articles can help you to make some new ideas.
https://soccersurfer98.hatenablog.com/entry/2020/09/02/132139?_ga=2.193217001.552343305.1598844608-1286484823.1596077192 I appreciate for reading my blogs.
This are new articles stylse for you. https://sbo98bet.wixsite.com/sbo98bet/post/%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A1-%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A3-ufabet amazin555 http://foxz98bet.over-blog.com/ufabet-6 It might help you to write or think some new idea.
https://dafa98bet.weebly.com/36263617363335883619362636173634359436363585/-ufabet8326348 Thanks for sharing such a wonderful post.
https://w88-com.jimdofree.com/2020/09/01/%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A1-%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A3-ufabet/ I am very glad for reading my articles.
Very useful article. Thanks for sharing.
If anyone looking for a fetility treatments contact Bliss Fertility Centre Vadavathoor Kottayam, Provides the best IVF treatment and guarantee your pregnancy.
Thanks for Sharing such an amazing article. Keep working... Your Site is very nice, and it's very helping us.. this post is unique and interesting, thank you for sharing this awesome information
E Sathi | E Sathi UP
bitsourceit
Best SEO Company in Dubai
Best SEO Company in Dubai
Best SEO Company in Dubai
Best SEO Company in Dubai
Best SEO Company in Dubai
Delivery Services
Delivery Services in Dubai
nice post..
Siddha vaithiyam
Best siddha hospital in tamilnadu
Nice Post
Best Ferility Hospital in Madurai
Cheap Business Class Ticket
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you it away for free.Let me show other source that may be good for community. Here is this https://www.sudhatandoninfertility.com/ best fertility, infertility, IVF, test tube baby, egg donor, Gynecologist treatment in mumbai and navi mumbai.
Dr. Sudha Tandon's Fertility, IVF, Endoscopy and Maternity Center in Mumbai
delta airlines reservations
SAS AIRLINES RESERVATIONS
Eva Airlines Reservations
Turkish Airlines Reservations
Southwest Airlines Reservations
Porter Airlines Reservations
ivf doctor in surat
delivery doctor in delhi
good post
nice post..gynecologist in Tirunelveli town
cesarean
Krishna Holidays has begun “Rent – A – Cab” services in the year 2012 . Since then our mission is to provide world class car rental services and also Tour packages of Gujarat in Ahmedabad at such a competitive price which is offered by “around the corner” other local rental car providers. We keep our operating costs at the lowest with the smart use of technology to provide excellent services and pass on the same savings to our customers in term of comparative low rates.Car rental in Ahmedabad
My friends and I absolutely love your blog and we find that almost all of your posts are exactly what we are looking for. FRSC Registration
nice post...
Periods
Ovulation Period
I have just read this blog and I’ll surely come back for more posts, and also this article gives the light in which we can observe the reality of the topic. Thanks for this nice article! Now read this too...microcenter price match black Friday
Wow, thanks I just got exactly what I wanted from your blog, thank you so much! You should check out our website for black friday big lots ad
nice post..
best gynacologist near me
gynecologist in Tirunelveli town
Your method of explaining in the blog that’s superb I have no words to praise your blog.
I am a daily visitor to this blog. Keep on the good work. Green Card Canada
You completed certain reliable points there. I did research on the subject and found nearly all persons will agree with your blog. Do well to check my post on quinnipiac acceptance rate
Incredible post! Keep posting. Also see Forensic Linguistics Jobs
Rathnaa Fertility Centre is the elegant fertility centre in karaikudi. And we offering stylish fertility treatment with affordable ivf cost. Established for further than 6 times, we're one of the leading independent IVF hospitals in Tamil Nadu.
Rathnaa Fertility Centre is the elegant and Best fertility centre in karaikudi. And we offering stylish fertility treatment with affordable ivf cost. Established for further than 6 times, we're one of the leading independent IVF hospitals in Tamil Nadu.
This is an amazing site. I enjoyed reading it, will come back to gather some more knowledge. Check out the recreational centres in brampton
Wow! This was an incredibly wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details. 10 careers in chemistry
At Rathnaa Fertility Centre, we have been creating miracles every day for nearly 6+ years. Regardless of your situation, our infertility specialists work closely with you to develop a personalized fertility treatment plan, including IVF, egg donation and other fertility options. As a comprehensive hub of fertility services we take your dreams seriously, offering hope and compassionate care to you. We take pride to be a part of each and every patient’s unique journey to becoming a parent. It is one of the best fertility centre in karaikudi
nice post..gynecologist in Tirunelveli town
best doctors in Tirunelveli
Doctors In Palayamkottai
Hospital Near Me
Your content is informative and useful. I appreciate the detailed explanations and insights you provide. Your writing is easy to follow and I find it helpful to know what to look for when researching a particular topic. .It really helps me understand it much better way. Also visit Universities that accept below 180
Such a wonderful blog. Thanks for sharing.
Best IVF Centre in Delhi
Best IVF Centre in Mumbai
Best IVF Centre in Ludhiana
Best IVF Centre in Srinager
Best IVF Centre in Patna
Nice Blog! Thanks For sharing.
Right Time to Visit a Fertility Specialist
Infertility Conditions Related to Uterine Abnormalities
Breastfeeding After IVF - A Tough Task | Gaudium IVF
Nice! Thanks for sharing.
Best IVF Centre in Delhi
Very informative and thanks for sharing it. best IVF Centre in Mumbai
Post a Comment