Does anyone know anything about sperm donor clinics?

[Curiousmama]

My friend is 40 and wants a baby. She hasn't met the right guy though. She's thinking now it may be ok to try for a baby ...through a donor. I said a clinic is the best way rather than take pot luck with someone she doesn't know that well. I know she won't know the donor from a clinic but surely the sperm is tested?
No saying she's fertile as she's been on the contraceptive injection for ages and only came off it 6 or so months ago and hasn't had a period yet.

I would heartily recommend the London Women's Clinic in Harley Street. They have their own donor sperm bank which means they have personally met, interviewed and screen the donors. There's no wait. On top of the medical screening (HIV etc.) of the 'stuff', donors are also obliged to disclose details about their medical history, and can be prosecuted if they conceal something. They also receive counseling.

Sperm donation is no longer anonymous, so if your friend goes down this route, her child will have the option of contacting her bio father if they want to (and if they know they are donor conceived) when they are 18. The mother and bio father have no rights of contact - just the child.

I can't comment on the rights and wrongs of doing it 'unofficially'.

Tell your friend to check out a website called fertilityfriends.co.uk which has a forum for single women using donor sperm - she'll get lots of support and info there.

Good luck!

Thanks so much makipuppy she'll be very appreciative of your advice