Donor Shortage

Many parents who need the assistance of a sperm donor want to help their child feel connected to their family even though they don’t share genetics. Sharing the racial and ethnic backgrounds and appearance is one way that people are identified as being family. Teenagers often seek family members and others who share their looks, interests, and skills as part of developing their own identity and helping them understand who they are. If a child’s ancestry differs from a parent, if they don’t look like their family and relatives, this can raise questions that make the child feel different and that they don’t belong.

Choosing a donor who shares ancestry with one or both parents is a child-focused choice.  Selecting a donor of a similar ethnicity and/or race makes it easier for parents to help children learn about their shared heritage and give their child the experience of growing up with people who look like them. Shared ancestry also helps in day-to-day interactions with the world and reduces intrusive questions from others about who their parents are.  These are just some reasons most parents seek a donor who shares their ethnic and racial background.

There is a shortage of sperm donors in the US. While it impacts all families, the shortage is most acute for Black families, other families of color, and Jewish families who seek a person who shares their ancestry.  In a Washington Post article on the shortage of Black sperm donors, Black women described having to choose a non-Black donor because there weren’t enough Black donors for all the Black families needing donor assistance.

To improve access and equity for all members of our community, TSBC seeks donors from all ethnic and racial backgrounds. Become a sperm donor and give parents options to build their family.