Children born as a result of artificial insemination from a sperm donor now have the right to know the name of their biological father when they reach 18. Not only can this help a child to have a more rounded sense of identity, but it can also help them to feel comfortable and able to reach out to their biological parent should they so wish.
However, the actual act of visiting sperm banks doesn’t have to be anonymous at all now, and whether you donate to couples with fertility issues or same-sex couples who would not be able to have their own biological child were it not for the help of sperm donors, getting to know the parents may offer benefits to both sides.
Whilst it is unlikely that any parents will want their sperm donor actively involved in their child’s life, getting to know the parents will allow them to find out more about you and to feel more comfortable about where a good deal of their child’s DNA will be coming from, as well as ensuring that, should they wish to meet their biological father at any point, that you will be a positive influence as opposed to a negative one. For the donor, on the other hand, it also allows piece of mind that one’s offspring will indeed be well looked after.
Experts now suggest that children should be told how they were conceived (not literally, of course) at an early age to help them feel more comfortable about who they are. By allowing parents to get to know you before they visit fertility clinics for treatment, you will ensure that the child knows far more about you and that in turn, if they ever wish to meet you and you agree, that both will be far more comfortable with the process and far less likely to be in for a big surprise.