What is Sperm Donor Abuse?

WHAT IS SPERM DONOR ABUSE?

Sperm donor abuse or 'SDA' is any form of conduct, whether physical, sexual, emotional, or financial, that causes significant harm. It may comprise a single act or a sequence of acts, and can occur at any point after establishing online contact with a man for the purpose of donor insemination. One or more men, and women can be involved in the abuse. The abuse may start during the initial discussions, and/or may escalate during conception, during pregnancy, or once the child is born.

The term 'sperm donor abuse' or 'SDA' captures the essence of the unique relationship between the woman trying to conceive and the man/men assisting.

The research upon which the Sperm Donor Abuse Foundation is based indicates that 1 in 2 women who use internet sperm donation websites experience some form of violence, abuse, controlling or coercive behaviour, perpetrated by a man claiming he is 'donating' sperm to help a woman get pregnant. There is nothing remarkable about this figure. Over one third of domestic violence starts in pregnancy (Lewis and Drife, 2001, 2005, McWilliams and McKiernan, 1993).

﻿Defining sperm donor abuse makes it visible If we define what sperm donor abuse is, it means we can talk about it.In essence, it becomes visible.Only then can we work towards reducing violence and abuse, and give a helping hand to women who have been victimised. ﻿

WHAT IS SPERM DONOR ABUSE?

Defining sperm donor abuse makes it visible

If we define what sperm donor abuse is, it means we can talk about it.

In essence, it becomes visible.

Only then can we work towards reducing violence and abuse, and give a helping hand to women who have been victimised.