"I want to have a child."
Even if someone has that wish, not everyone can receive a sperm donation in the same way.
If you go to a hospital, anyone who needs it can use safe donor sperm.
Precisely because the situation isn't that simple, people are turning to the internet and social media to find service providers.
According to the original 2021 news report, the number of medical institutions in Japan capable of performing artificial insemination by donor (AID) using donated sperm was limited, and a shortage of sperm donors was also a challenge.
On the other hand, private sperm donations that take place outside of medical facilities raise various concerns, such as safety and the verification of donor information.
If there's a risk, just don't use it.
That's easy to say.
But before that, there’s something I want to think about.
Why do some people still look for sperm donors on social media?
Just going to the hospital doesn't necessarily solve the problem.
The reasons why someone might need a sperm donor vary from person to person.
Couples who have difficulty conceiving using the husband's sperm due to conditions such as azoospermia.
A woman who is considering raising a child on her own.
People who want to start a family with a same-sex partner.
There are various reasons.
However, at least as of 2021—when the original article was published—AID performed at medical institutions in Japan was subject to certain restrictions regarding eligible participants and the facilities where it was performed.
In addition, there was also the issue of a shortage of providers.
In other words
"I would like to receive a sperm donation"
Just because I thought that didn't necessarily mean I would proceed with treatment right away.
I want to have a child.
But I can't find any options I can use.
It’s no surprise that, in situations like that, some people start looking for other solutions online.
On social media, it seems like you can find the provider right away.
If you search for “sperm donation” on social media, you may find people offering to donate.
You don't have to wait for an appointment at a medical facility.
You can get in touch without having to go through any complicated procedures.
You can communicate directly with the provider.
At first glance, it seems like a very simple method.
For people who have been trying to conceive for a long time, this sense of being able to “take action right away” may be very important.
If you are trying to conceive while taking your menstrual cycle and age into account,
"I don't want to wait for months."
This can sometimes lead to a sense of urgency.
So, for people who look for service providers on social media,
"It's dangerous—why would you do that?"
Simply blaming others won't help us understand this issue.
Why did that person have to go that far?
Were there any other options available?
You need to think that far ahead.
Is the information the other person is writing actually true?
However, there are significant issues with peer-to-peer sharing.
On your social media profile
"I'm healthy."
"I have been tested for infectious diseases."
"My educational background is [XX]."
"We have a track record of providing this service in the past."
Even if it says so, it is not easy for users to verify for themselves whether it is true.
Age.
Occupation.
Education.
Health status.
Family medical history.
And is it really his sperm?
If a medical institution is not involved, the parties involved will need to verify this information among themselves.
There will be more situations where you have no choice but to trust the other person.
When you have a strong desire to have a child,
"This person might be okay."
There may be times when you feel like believing that.
However, that decision doesn't end the moment you become pregnant.
It will continue to shape the life of the child yet to be born.
There is also the very real risk of infectious diseases
Sperm enters the body.
Therefore, screening for infectious diseases is essential when considering safety.
In sperm donation through medical institutions, certain checks are conducted regarding the donor’s health status and infectious diseases.
When tests are provided by private individuals, it may not be possible to verify exactly how the test was conducted.
I was shown the test results.
That's why it's absolutely safe.
I can't say that for sure, either.
The time of the test and the time of donation may differ.
There are times when the recipient alone cannot determine whether the information is accurate.
The method used to conceive a child puts the mother's health at risk.
That must be avoided.
They are not necessarily "well-intentioned donors"
There are all kinds of people who donate sperm.
Honestly,
"I want to help people who are hoping to have children."
There are probably some people who act based on that sentiment.
But on the Internet, you can't see the other person's true intentions.
I am being asked to provide more personal information than necessary simply because I am a sperm donor.
I am approached with an offer of sexual intercourse.
I'm being asked to do something different from what I was originally told.
We must also consider the possibility that this could lead to such problems.
People who need sperm donations may have very strong desires.
I can't say for certain that there won't be anyone who takes advantage of those feelings.
That's exactly why,
"He seemed like a nice guy."
A system that relies solely on that impression has its limitations when it comes to safety.
Sometimes problems don't become apparent until after the fact.
When receiving a service,
"Can I Get Pregnant?"
That will likely be the main concern.
That's only natural.
However, when it comes to sperm donation, there’s more to consider than just getting pregnant.
After the baby was born.
There may be times when you want to know about a provider’s medical history.
Your child might say they want to know about their roots.
It's possible that other children have been born to the same donor.
It is possible that issues not originally anticipated may arise with the provider.
Between individuals
"That's it."
Even if you make that promise, once a child is born, the consequences of that choice will linger for a long time.
There is a possibility that problems will arise years from now that cannot be resolved by the promises the two of you have made just between yourselves.
But simply blaming the people who use it won't bring about any change.
There are risks associated with peer-to-peer sperm donation via social media.
So,
"It's the user's fault."
If we just leave it at that, the underlying problem will remain.
Why did you choose social media instead of a medical facility?
Was it not possible to access the secure method?
Did it take too long?
Didn't it meet the eligibility criteria?
Didn't you even know you had a choice?
Each person has their own unique circumstances.
It's not just about communicating the risks.
The goal is to increase the number of places where people who want to have children can seek advice with peace of mind, without having to resort to dangerous methods.
The "Domestic Sperm Bank" Movement That Emerged in 2021
In 2021, when the original article was published, the “Mirai Life Research Institute” launched its sperm bank initiative, and this effort—which aimed to provide medically screened sperm to healthcare facilities in a manner distinct from peer-to-peer donations conducted via social media and other platforms—garnered significant attention.
Donated sperm is screened for infectious diseases and other conditions and handled within the medical system.
This is an effort to increase the number of safe options for people who want to have children.
The need for such a system arose not only from a simple shortage of donors, but also because
"I want to receive a sperm donation safely, but there aren't enough options available."
That was the reality.
How can we connect people who need sperm donations to safe medical care?
That is an issue we will need to continue to consider going forward.
We need a system that doesn't shift the blame to "personal responsibility"
The decision to have a child through sperm donation requires careful consideration of many factors.
The provider's health.
Infectious diseases.
Information about genetics.
Provider's Record.
The origins of the child.
Future family relationships.
It is not easy for a single person seeking a sperm donation to research and evaluate all of these factors on their own.
That's why, ideally, we need a system in place.
Verify that the provider is trustworthy.
Investigate health risks.
Keep a record of the necessary information.
You can consult with them when a problem arises.
And above all, we think about the future of the child who will be born.
Sperm donation isn't just a matter of finding someone online and receiving a sperm sample—it's not that simple.
That is where a person's life begins.
Before you criticize people who look for sperm donors on social media,
"Why was that the only option I could choose?"
Let's think about it.
Isn't that perspective necessary if we want to increase the number of safe options?