Medically-assisted reproduction requires the assistance of multiple people. There are health care professionals involved who assist with the storage, acquisition, fertilization and implantation of gametes and embryos. There are also typically individuals who donate their gametes for use by those who cannot safely use their own.
Some couples require large gametes from female donors or may specifically acquire embryos from other couples. Others may seek out sperm donation for assisted reproduction. Donating sperm can be a way to help other people build a family. Those with unique traits may find their sperm is in high demand. However, those with a genetic or legal connection to a child may have parental responsibilities that they have to fulfill.
Do men who donate sperm for assisted reproduction need to worry about child support responsibilities?
The law and contracts offer protection
Typically, individuals directly donating to people they know or who selected them personally based on their traits for assisted reproductive purposes sign thorough contracts that include terms related to parental rights and responsibilities. It is standard practice for sperm donors to waive their right to seek custody or visitation.
They typically receive contractual protection from child support claims in return. Even without a direct contract, there are laws in many states that protect sperm donors. In both New York and California, family law statutes protect sperm donors from child support claims after they donate their gametes.
Learning more about the laws that govern assisted reproduction can help people feel more comfortable with their decision to help others build a family. Sperm donors have very little at risk in most scenarios and can make a major impact on others if they properly protect themselves.