Blog

Blog written by Laboratory Staff JM

Open-Identity sperm donors, sometimes called “Identity Release” or simply “Open” donors, are sperm donors who agree to be contacted by offspring who were conceived with their samples. Usually this is after the offspring reach the age of 18. 

Most sperm banks have programs for open-identity donors, and these programs vary between the banks. Therefore, it is important to research the programs at different sperm banks before making a decision about where to purchase your donor sperm, if you are looking for an open-identity donor. 

Fairfax Cryobank offers open-identity donors, and we call them ID Option donors. Our ID Option donors have a signed contract with us that they agree to have identifying information shared with the offspring when the offspring reaches the age of 18. 

Some other sperm banks say that they have open-identity donors but may either make the sharing of information voluntary on the part of the donor when the time comes, or they will mediate the interaction between the donor and offspring to protect the donor’s identity. Offspring could call one of these other sperm banks at the age of 18 and not receive the donor’s name and/or contact information. 

Fairfax Cryobank WILL provide the information to the offspring of our ID Option donors. 

To read more about Fairfax Cryobank’s ID Option donor program, click here.