Semen donors in Germany: a study exploring motivations and attitudes

Germany is one of the countries where donor insemination (DI) is shrouded in secrecy and where, until recently, donors were assured of anonymity, and clinics were able to destroy documents after 10 years. For many years, preparation seminars for recipients have been conducted. Almost all participants of these seminars intend to disclose the nature of conception to their child, thus representing the beginning of a culture change. This study sought the views of donors regarding their willingness to be identified and therefore meet these expectations.

Thirteen of 15 clinics in Germany agreed to participate and of 153 anonymous questionnaires sent, 41% (n = 63, from eight clinics) were returned. Thirty-seven per cent of donors suggested that parents should disclose the nature of the conception to their child, 34% uncertain and 29% opposed. Forty-three percentage were willing to meet offspring, 22% uncertain and 35% opposed.

One-third of the donors supported parental disclosure and just under half of the donors are willing to be identifiable, despite a climate and history of secrecy. This study indicates that there are donors who are agreeable to be part of the move away from secrecy, and this will have implications for professionals involved in providing DI services in Germany.