FAMILY MATTERS: SPERM DONATION & FAMILY FEELINGS
26th October 2017Want to be a sperm donor but not sure how to tell your family? Although it can be hard to explain to parents, grandparents and wider family members too, it’s important to have an open family discussion.
Because even though they’re not directly involved, donating your sperm can affect them too. They may feel the children you’re going to help create are ‘their’ grandchildren, or be concerned about you helping someone have a child you – or them – may never meet.
All these feelings are understandable and shouldn’t be dismissed if you’re thinking of being a sperm donor. What’s important is that your family has the facts, so they can support your decision.
Telling family: What to talk about
You might like to reinforce some key factors of sperm donation, such as:
- The fact that lots of people need sperm donors, including guys with fertility issues. You’re giving them the only chance they have to become parents.
- You are identifiable and contactable to the children you help to create, once the child turns 18 years old. So there is a chance of contact one day, if a child decides to find out who you are.
- You’re not legally responsible or have any rights over any children born – so you’ll never be asked to pay maintenance or seen as the legal father.
Counselling: Involving family members
As a sperm donor you’re given counselling so you understand the implications and significance of sperm donation.
But did you know you can also invite a family member in your counselling sessions too?
You’re welcome to involve someone in your discussions with your counsellor if you feel it’s appropriate, so they too can learn more about your rights as a sperm donor and have an open discussion about any concerns they have.
Counselling happens either at your local Semovo clinic or in the privacy of your own home online via Skype – which makes it even easier to bring in family support.
Sperm donation with positivity and confidence
Sperm donation is one of the greatest things you can do and is something to feel rightly proud of. If you need support or have questions, have a chat to our team on 0345 266 1272.
Our website has lots of additional information about being a sperm donor, including FAQs, a step-by-step guide and more.
You’ll also find sperm donor support and advice from the National Gamete Donation Trust – the UK’s leading sperm and egg donor organisation.