Who Can Become a Sperm Donor? Eligibility & Requirements
- ACRC Global
- Aug 26
- 2 min read
Understanding Sperm Donor Eligibility and Requirements
At ACRC Global, we recognize the incredible impact sperm donation has in helping Intended Parents build families. While many may express interest, donor eligibility is determined through extensive medical, psychological, and legal evaluation processes to ensure safety and peace of mind for all parties involved. Understanding why sperm donor eligibility and requirements are so extensive can help the next
Age Requirements
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) doesn’t set one strict age limit for sperm donors. Instead, it highlights the importance of sperm quality and the potential genetic risks that can come with older age. With that being said, many clinics accept donors anywhere between 18 and 38 to help lower age-related health risks.
Health, Genetic & Infectious Disease Screening
ASRM guidance, in line with FDA and CDC regulations, requires donors to undergo thorough medical evaluations, including:
Medical and family history to rule out hereditary risks.
Genetic screening for inheritable disorders such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia.
Infectious disease testing for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
Semen analysis to assess specimen count, motility, and morphology.
Sample quarantine (often 6 months) followed by retesting before release.
Psychological Evaluation & Counseling
Per ASRM recommendations, all donors should meet with a specialized psychologist to talk through the emotional, ethical, and long-term aspects of donation, making sure they fully understand what the process may mean for them.
Legal & Ethical Considerations
There are also a few important legal protections when it comes to sperm donation:
Donors don’t have parental rights or responsibilities for any children conceived through their donation.
Privacy rules aren’t the same everywhere. For instance, in Colorado and Oregon, donors must agree that their identity can be shared once a donor-conceived child turns 18.
To help prevent accidental connections between relatives, experts like ASRM recommend limiting each donor’s sperm to no more than 25 families in a given area.
Why It Matters
Sperm donation is more than a medical procedure, it’s an act of compassion supported by strict screening protocols to ensure trust, safety, and transparency.
At ACRC Global, we ensure every donor meets the highest standards, so Intended Parents feel confident and secure in their journey!
Interested in learning more about the donor process or qualifications? Contact ACRC Global today for a confidential consultation.
References
American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2024). Guidance regarding gamete and embryo donation: A committee opinion. ASRM.
American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2025). Assisted reproduction with advancing paternal and maternal age: An ethics committee opinion. ASRM.