Options for Single Women
Single women most commonly pursue pregnancy through IUI (What is an intra-uterine insemination?) using either sperm of an anonymous sperm donor from a sperm bank (Selecting Donor Sperm) or semen from a directed/known sperm donor. A directed/known sperm donor generally is not an Intended Parent but the exact boundaries of mutual rights and responsibilities under such circumstances are best spelled out in a legally binding contract drafted by an attorney specializing in third-party parenting. A directed/known sperm donor undergoes donor eligibility determination in accordance with the FDA regulations and policies of the Alta Bates IVF Program within 7 days of semen collection and freezing. Depending on whether risk factors are identified, the recipient/Intended Parent determines the duration of quarantine in consultation with the treating physician.
Anonymous sperm donors are never considered Intended Parents, so no direct legal contract is necessary between such a donor and the recipients. Sperm from anonymous donors is released by sperm banks only after a 180 day period of quarantine with retesting. Single women may have particular interest in using a sperm donor willing to have his identity release when the offspring reach maturity (I.D. release). Whereas most commercial sperm banks do not currently offer this option, I.D. release sperm donors are available through The Sperm Bank of California (http://www.thespermbankofca.org) and Pacific Reproductive Services.