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Donor Insemination (DI)
Most couples, when contemplating parenthood, figure all they have to do is
"what comes naturally," and sooner or later they will be blessed with
a little bundle of joy.
Unfortunately, that is not the reality for about 7% of couples. The reasons
for a couple's infertility varies. However, infertility is caused by a male
factor in approximately 20%-30% of cases. In these instances, DI (Donor
Insemination) is an option that many couples consider.
DI is widely practiced throughout the world. The pregnancy rate is high: 70
to 80% of couples who choose DI eventually have a child by this method.
30-50,000 babies are conceived each year in North America with the help of DI.
DI offers a range of benefits to couples.
 | The experience of pregnancy from the start to the birth, often seen as an
important preparation for parenthood, is shared by the couple. |
| One parent has a biological and genetic link with the child. |
| By attending the inseminations, the husband can share in the child's
conception. |
| DI is a relatively simple, and usually painless, procedure requiring
neither surgery nor a stay in hospital. |
| Public opinion is showing a far greater acceptance of DI as a means of
having a family. |
| Many couples find they receive support and reassurance from their family
and friends, when they tell them they are receiving the treatment. |
| The treatment is confidential. |
| Couples decide for themselves who knows that they are being treated. |
| The use of anonymous donors ensures against any legal, material or
emotional claim by him on the couple or child and vice versa. |
The dilemmas of DI
| Some religious groups and others are still opposed to donor insemination. |
| The secrecy that sometimes surrounds a DI conception can perpetuate the
notion that it is naturally and ethically wrong. This can, in some cases,
lead to feelings of guilt and fear in relation to the child's birth and
nurture. |
| As with adoption, the husband has no genetic relationship with the child,
and his procreative desires cannot be fulfilled. |
| Both partners need to reflect on their attitudes and feelings towards a
child conceived by DI, and its' impact on their relationship. A mutual
acceptance is of the utmost importance. If it cannot be reached, then other
options must be considered. |
| The right of the child to know about the method of conception is a
controversial question, which some couples find hard to resolve. |
| Remarks about family likeness should be expected when the baby arrives.
These are perfectly normal, but they can cause embarrassment if parents are
not prepared for them. |
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