Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination is the introduction of semen into the vagina or uterus by mechanical or instrumental means rather than by sexual intercourse.

Confidentiality is important for anonymous donations. The donors are in good health and undergo extensive family history screening for genetic diseases and are tested for cystic fibrosis. They are tested for gonorrhea, syphilis, AIDS, chlamydia, hepatitis B and C, HILVI/II and cytomegalovirus. If the test results are negative for these diseases, semen is collected and frozen for a minimum of six months.

Each donor is selected to match as closely as possible to the patient's husband's height, weight, hair and eye color, skin tone, body structure and ethnic origin. The identity of the donor is never available and all legal rights belong to the husband and wife.

After becoming pregnant, if available, the couple may purchase additional semen of the same donor for future use.