Donor Gametes

Donated sperm may appear to be an obvious choice, but this alone may be ruled out by health issues or the cruel progress of time as the biological clock ticks away. So you may also need to consider the option of a donated embryo, or a donated egg, their cost and other complexities. Some solo mums by choice also require a surrogate.

There are also unregulated sperm donors who donate outside of a fertility clinic or donation organisations in an often informal arrangement. This would usually be done through natural insemination (more commonly known as intercourse), or artificial insemination or AI (more commonly known as the ‘turkey basting’ method). While this practice offers clear benefits such as lower cost, less wait time, possible greater choice, and autonomy, there are also significant risks involved due to less testing; potential STD infections, the possibility of sperm quality being poor, and legal ramifications around parental rights and those of siblings and half-siblings. Consulting a counsellor or a lawyer is highly recommended before considering this method.