ID Release Donors What does "ID Release" really mean? Always ask the sperm bank!

Many women want their child to have the option of learning who their biological father is when the child becomes an adult. Most sperm donors prefer to remain anonymous; however, some agree to have their identity released when the child is an adult (usually at age 18 or older). Such donors are often called "ID-release," "open," or "willing to be known" donors; however, the exact meaning of these terms is different at each sperm bank!

The term "Identity-Release" is a service mark (similar to a trademark) of The Sperm Bank of California (TSBC), which originally pioneered this concept in 1983. At TSBC, "Identity-Release" guarantees your child can receive the donor's identity at age 18. However, other sperm banks sometimes use the same or similar terms to mean something different. For example, "ID Release" at one bank may mean the donor's identity will be released, or it may mean only that the bank will attempt to contact the donor when your child is 18, without any guarantee that they actually can do so. "Open donor" sometimes means the same thing; whereas at another bank, "Open ID" or "Known donor" may mean the bank is willing to release the donor's ID now, before you get pregnant. In some cases you can even meet the donor—however this is rare and usually much more expensive.

Unfortunately, there are no regulations governing the use of these terms, which leaves many women confused about what exactly "ID Release" means. Even worse, you may choose a donor thinking you will be able to obtain his identity when your child turns 18, only to discover the fine print doesn't guarantee this. The bottom line is: If being able to learn the donor's identity is important to you, always check with your sperm bank first, and ask them what their policy is. Ask what kind of agreement the donor must sign. Ask if they keep records. What if the donor moves to a different state or country or dies? What if the sperm bank goes out of business? We raise these questions not to scare you, but to make you aware that there's more to ID Release than a simple checkmark next to a donor's ID number. The sperm banks listed on SpermCenter.com are all reputable businesses whose representatives will be happy to answer all your questions—but it's your job to ask!

At SpermCenter.com, we use the heading IDR to indicate donors and sperm banks that have some form of identity release program. Look for a "Y" under the IDR heading on the donor search results and Sperm Banks pages. However, please be advised: a "Y" in the IDR column is no guarantee that you or your child will be able to find the donor's identity, only that the bank has some form of identity release program. It's your responsibility to ask the bank what their policy is, and do they absolutely guarantee the identity will be released?

Finally, whether you decide to use an ID Release or anonymous donor, you should always purchase the detailed donor profile including whatever medical information the sperm bank can provide for the donor you ultimately choose. Medical information can be invaluable in helping diagnose and treat any medical problems your child may eventually develop, even without knowing the donor's identity. When you obtain profiles and medical information, always double-check the Donor ID to make sure you're getting the information for the right donor—see our page, Importance of the Donor ID.

Back

Home | FAQ | About | Contact | Privacy | Disclaimer
Copyright 2003-2007 SpermCenter.com. All rights reserved. We are a search tool and information resource. We are not health care professionals. For important legal information, please read our disclaimer.