Attitudes of semen donors in germany – is it possible to recruit identifiable donors in a society where secrecy prevails?

Abstract

In Germany donor insemination (DI) is shrouded in secrecy and, until recently, donors were assured of anonymity and clinics were able to destroy documents after 10 years. In preparation seminars for recipients almost all participants intend to disclose the nature of conception to their child1, thus representing the beginnings of a culture change. This study sought the views of current donors regarding their willingness to be identified to offspring and therefore meet the expectations of an increasing number of parents.