Just out of curiosity (because right now, we're not seriously looking), I went to the one itty-bitty sperm bank in Canada and opened their donor catalogue. There is ONE - count that: ONE - donor that kind of matches Devon's background. One donor in the whole of the Great White North, which apparently, we're supposed to stick to. Some may say that having a donor with the same ethnic make-up isn't that important, but Devon will not be the bio-mom and I want to do everything I can to make her be as much a part of this baby as possible.
A recent article from the Toronto Sun notes that about 4,633 Canadian donors would be willing and able to donate right now. However, the vigorous Health Canada screening process narrows that number of eligible donors down to 60. Yet patient demand for sperm is at 5,500. Wow.
I kept wanting to scroll down the page of the catalogue. But there is not even enough content to warrant scrolling down.
At least I found out that it is not illegal to buy sperm from the States. However, it's ridiculously expensive.
It's a little frustrating and we haven't even started. I guess we look to see whether the extra cost is worth ordering some Yankee samples. Or, we pick the one dude that hardly even fits us, who has already fathered 15 babies. Sheesh.
[Image credit: CTV]
I'm sorry that's the case--but glad it's not illegal to get it from the US! I think it would be important to match the ethnic background, but that's just me--it might not matter in the end.
ReplyDeleteI say pay the price and go with US. Also, with such slim pickings it will be worth at least a look at the US. That is hard to believe for all of Canada or is it just your province?
ReplyDeleteI just read your past two entries. i'm very glad that your RE visit went well. the doctor sounds really good and open. Huge plus there. Huge minus on the lack of sperm options- WOW. I didn't know you were in Canada so I had no idea of the limitations. If you do manage to buy sperm in the US, Northwest andrology is fairly cheap as far as the sperm and shipping (in the US at least) goes. I wonder if they'd ship to Canada being that they're located in Spokane, WA.
ReplyDeleteI keep meaning to ask you what province you're in but never remember to do it :( I <3 Canada (I'm originally from western NY and my parents have a lake house in Ontario). Are you drive-able to the states? Is sperm something you can bring in? IDK how that works! Maybe you can travel into the states (if it's a quick trip, of course) to do the deed and not have to pay as much?? Sorry it's such a headache!!!! Big hugs :)
ReplyDeletePS my word verification for that last comment was GASMS. No joke. Thought that would make you giggle!
ReplyDeleteI totally feel your pain.
ReplyDeleteWe ended up ordering from CCB, one of the most expensive banks, for this very reason. It's really important to us to have the baby match our mixed cultural backgrounds. If we try with my partner, we will look for a donor with my ethnic background. We won't all be genetically tied, but we will LOOK like a family. For us, the visual cues and cultural heritage are much more important than shared DNA.
You would think they would relax their standards just a bit. There has to be a fear of inter-breeding if you have THAT few donors and that many offspring in one area!
ReplyDeleteHoly shit, ONE SPERM BANK?!!! That's crazy!!! And the rules are changing, too?!! I live pretty close to the US border, but I really hate the idea of having to go there for getting knocked up, just in terms of comfort and expense... I'm so sorry that you're having to even consider this.
ReplyDeleteWe (also Canadian) ordered sperm through Fairfax Cryobank, but distributed by CanAm Cryo... it was not a difficult process at all. I also have a cost breakdown on my blog if you're interested in seeing what it all added up to for us.
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