24 June 2019
On June 24, 2019, we visited the European Sperm Bank in Copenhagen, Denmark. We talked with and gained much information from the laboratory technician, Josephine, the shipping manager, Mikkel, and the director of strategy, Tonya. We were able to take a tour of the facility which consisted of the laboratory where the sperm samples are tested for quality and mobility, the shipping department where the sperm samples are sent to various countries around the world, and the sales department where the recruitment of donors and the intense behind-the-scenes action occurs. There are currently 300 active donors at this location where they could receive between 75 and 80 donations in one day. The donors can choose to participate in either an open or closed arrangement; being an open donor allows a child to contact their biological father only once when they turn 18, however the parents of the child can never contact the man. Within Denmark, 55% of the donors choose to be open.
The sperm samples are rigorously tested within the laboratory for their quality and are only used if they prove effective. While the process for the sperm samples is intense, the donors must also go through a long process before they can donate their sperm. The donors must complete multiple steps before being able to make their donation and receive their compensation for doing so such as an online application, multiple sperm quality tests, interviews, evaluations, a full body medical check, blood/urine tests, and counseling. There are many qualifications for the men who wish to donate their sperm such as being between the ages of 18 and 40 years, the average age of the donor being 27 years old, and they must prove to be physically and psychologically healthy. The customers that wish to purchase sperm can choose between various characteristics they wish to pass along to their child such as eye color, hair color, athletic ability, educational attainment, or family history.
Through my experience at the European Sperm Bank, I enjoyed learning about this very complex process that many people believe to be quick and simple. It seems that many Europeans are open about various topics including sexuality, politics and religion, however, it is interesting that the topic of sperm donation is still a taboo. This process is often looked down upon and judged throughout the world, particularly in Denmark. Out of all of the men who go through the online application process, only 50% make it to their initial appointment; this is thought to happen due to specific stereotypes and judgements that exist around this topic. The road to becoming a sperm donor is long and taxing, therefore many people drop out and others may not meet the qualifications leaving only 5% of the men who originally applied being able to donate their sperm. Being a sperm donor is wonderful because the men who donate are helping families around the world turn their dreams into realities. People in a variety of unique situations who are unable to conceive a child on their own can use the sperm to create a beautiful family that without the donors help, would not exist. Becoming a sperm donor can often be looked down upon by friends and family, however this is not the correct response. Helping to create new life is a process that should be celebrated and never judged.
- Holli Gates
Public Health Abroad! 