Single Mothers by Choice: Single Women Using Sperm Banks

What happens when you get the "baby bug" but you're single? Some women are choosing to become single mothers by choice - whether it's through adoption or conceiving their own child by using a sperm bank.

Why Use a Sperm Bank?

According to a study conducted in 2002 by a team at the Family and Child Psychology Research Centre, City University in London, more than two-thirds of single mothers by choice choose to have a baby by donor insemination do so because they feel that they are running out of time to have a baby. These women are typically older and feel that their biological clock is ticking. In many instances a sperm bank is safer than the woman choosing a guy off of the street to father the child, as the sperm will be tested to insure it is disease-free.

Besides single women - lesbian couples and couples with fertility problems also choose to use a sperm bank in order to conceive a child.

What is a Sperm Bank?

A sperm bank is a location that provides a selection of sperm that has been tested and determined to be safe and free of any diseases. The sperm bank uses cryopreservation to freeze the sperm and then stores it until the sperm is purchased.

How do You Purchase From a Sperm Bank?

It is actually a simple process to purchase from a sperm bank. Most sperm banks will provide you with a price list and a roster of all their available samples. You can search through sperm banks across the country and through the Internet, and have the sample shipped right to your obgyn office. Most sperm banks will not provide pictures of the donor, but they will give you information about the donor and some locations offer a matching service that allows you to pick specific features.

How do You Find a Sperm Bank?

You can ask your doctor for referrals or search the Internet. You'll want to purchase from an accredited and licensed sperm bank in order to insure that the vials are free of disease.

What Happens After You Find the Sperm?

Once you have contacted a sperm bank and identified the sample you would like to receive, you need to meet with your obgyn and discuss an intrauterine insemination procedure. The sperm will be sent directly to the clinic in time for the insemination.

Where Can You Get Support?

There are support groups and organizations across the country for single mothers by choice. You can search through the Internet for groups such as Single Mothers by Choice or you can try to find a local organization to meet in person.