Protection of donor and patient anonymity has been the most basic element in the growth of using donor sperm as a vital reproductive resource. The Fairfax Cryobank ID Consent program preserves the identity for all program participants--patients, children and donors--while allowing a "future connection" contact option for children so conceived. Contracts are carefully constructed and information maintained so that no parties have any legal obligations to one another, which is also typical of anonymous donor agreements. Such a program is not intended in any way to create family relationships. Contact information, at the appropriate time, can only be released directly to a donor's offspring. Donors and patients agree not to initiate any other contact.
According to a study on the effects of choosing identity-release donors conducted by California researchers and published in the prestigious U.K. journal Human Reproduction, the major motive for a child initiating a contact was "curiosity about the donor and whether it would help them learn more about themselves." The test panel included single women, lesbian and heterosexual couples. Among the conclusions: disclosure of using a donor had no negative impact on the families, regardless of parental sexual orientation and relationship status.
William Jaeger, Vice President and chief operating officer of Fairfax Cryobank comments, "We strive to exceed the expectations of our patients and maintain our position as a catalyst for industry trends. Our new ID Consent program reinforces our commitment to providing donor information that patients want. We expect to increase the number of ID Consent donors consistent with the interest level demonstrated by our patients."
Other new programs recently introduced by Fairfax Cryobank include Lifetime Donor Photos, which show donors at various ages, including as an adult; and the Keirsey Temperament Sorter that allows patients to view the personality characteristics of donors and "map" donors' personalities with their own and that of their partners.
Fairfax Cryobank was founded in 1986 as a division of the world-renowned Genetics and IVF Institute, the world's largest, fully integrated, specialized provider of infertility treatment and genetic services. Fairfax Cryobank, with facilities in Austin, Texas; northern Virginia near Washington, D.C.; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, provides the highest quality donor semen to all 50 states and many international clients. The company enjoys a long-standing reputation, not only for the most comprehensive donor screening and infectious disease testing, but also for caring customer service with a personalized touch. Mr. Jaeger can be reached at 703-698-3990. Website: www.fairfaxcryobank.com.
© 2006 Business Wire
