Today on CNN Newsroom

The latest news and information from around the world. Also connect with CNN through social media. We want to hear from you.
October 5th, 2011
04:18 PM ET

Getting Pregnant on The Cheap! Non-Traditional Sperm Donation Methods Raising Questions

Some people are so desperate to have a baby, they're risking their health and possibly breaking the law, to receive – and get –  free sperm donations at unusual locations.  This non-traditional method that bypasses sperm banks saves people hundreds, even thousands of dollars  in artificial insemination costs.   But the trend is raising all sorts of ethical and medical red flags.    Brooke spoke with Tony Dokoupil,  staff writer for Newsweek magazine and The Daily Beast who broke this story for Newsweek.

 Post by:
Filed under: Brooke Baldwin
soundoff (4 Responses)
  1. Daniel Holt

    I understand for some Families the complications of pregnancy and for those that want a child. If you have to ask how much, should we be even thinking of a child. What happens if you get a bad Donation, and medical costs, do we just throw away the child, as we see in so many stories. I just feel having a child is something people need to Think about long and hard, as a child is a living a breathing person, not Goods&Services. I understand the saving's but when did a child become a blue light special, that throws up so many red flags.

    October 5, 2011 at 7:27 pm |
  2. Tracy

    Finances is not the only, or even necessarily the main reason why one may seek a donor through these other (alternative) methods. When one is using a sperm bank, there is not an option for the donor to be know to the child, before the child is 18. There are many people who feel it is important for a child to have the opportunity to know who their biological father is, before they are 18. Using sites that offer a place for recipients to connect with donors who provide AI for free, provide this opportunity. Just something to keep in mind, versus assuming it is only about the money.

    October 6, 2011 at 2:16 pm |
  3. Mary

    Clearly free sperm isn't for everyone, but neither is adoption or paying for sperm...what this is is an option for individuals and couples who are on their path to parenthood. Only the parties involved need to be ok with the route getting there. So many variables are involved, to judge everyone in one giant, sweeping judgment...sounds like it isn't model behavior. We as outsiders can only wish all are safe and that any child conceived is loved...regardless of the path. Good luck to all seeking to bring a child into the world on purpose. It is a great responsibility, one not to be taken lightly...clearly, with all the children in foster care, available for adoption, and those being visited by Child Protective Services...our society as a whole has a bigger issue than free sperm donations: caring properly for and planning for the creation of children. At least those seeking out free sperm are intentionally, thoughtfully seeking to create a child who will be loved.

    October 6, 2011 at 3:47 pm |
  4. Sarah

    I read an article about a woman who posted on some site for a sperm donor, met and interviewed her responses, then had intercourse with the chosen man and got pregnant. Why go to the bank if it's just a matter of not having the right man?

    October 6, 2011 at 5:05 pm |

Post a comment


  

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.
« Back to main

Contributors