In many cases, donated semen is required to achieve conception. These cases include:
couples in which the male partner has no sperm
single women desiring conception
same sex couples
There are several donor semen banks licensed in New York State. These banks provide written or online information regarding the age, race, ethnicity, health, education level and other characteristics of anonymous donors. All prospective semen donors are required to undergo testing for infectious diseases and if appropriate, certain genetic diseases, in order to have their semen used by a donor semen bank. The donors are re-tested six months after their first tests and must test negative for infectious diseases prior to release of the semen samples. This process of testing and repeat testing of donors prior to release of semen to prospective recipients is known as a quarantine process.
Regulations require that directed donors – non-intimate partners planning to donate semen to a particular recipient – be subject to the same semen quarantine restrictions listed above.
