Sperm donor attitudes and experiences with direct-to-consumer genetic testing

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Genetics
• Bioethics

Background:

• Direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTCGT) has implications for sperm donation and donor-conceived individuals.
• Understanding sperm donor attitudes towards DTCGT is crucial for sperm banks and fertility clinics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess sperm donor willingness to engage with DTCGT.
• To evaluate comfort levels regarding sharing genetic data in commercial databases.
• To determine the likelihood of sperm donors donating again.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online anonymous survey was conducted.
• The study involved 396 sperm donors from two large American sperm banks.
• Data were collected from July 2020 to July 2021, covering donations from 1980 to 2020.

Main Results:

• Non-identified donors showed less comfort sharing genetic data and were less likely to donate again compared to open-identity donors.
• Donors who gave sperm after 2007 were less likely to use commercial genetic testing.
• Most donors disclosed donations to partners, but fewer to families or children; DTCGT identified 79.5% of contacted donors.

Conclusions:

• DTCGT significantly impacts sperm donor identification and connection with donor-conceived persons.
• Despite privacy concerns, a majority of sperm donors remain willing to donate again.
• Standardized pre-donation counseling on potential future contact is essential for sperm donors.