Attitudes Towards Sperm Donation in Scotland

TY - JOUR

T1 - Attitudes Towards Sperm Donation in Scotland

AU - Kasirye, Joseph

AU - Tanawade, Pranali

AU - Lopes, Federica

N1 - © 2025 Springer Nature

PY - 2025/10/3

Y1 - 2025/10/3

N2 - Purpose Understanding male perspectives on sperm donation is essential for improving donor recruitment and addressing ethical challenges in assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, there is limited research on awareness, attitude, and barriers towards sperm donation in Scotland. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the attitudes of Scottish men toward sperm donation to develop targeted recruitment campaigns. Methods An online survey of 169 men aged 18–45 in Scotland assessed demographics, attitudes toward sperm donation, willingness to donate, motivations, and views on donor identity disclosure. Recruitment was via online platforms, email, and fliers in major cities. Chi-square tests and Spearman’s rank correlation identified significant associations between demographics and survey responses. Results The analysis revealed positive attitudes toward sperm donation, with 86.4% (p ≤ 0.001) viewing it as a generous act. Most respondents (85.2%, p ≤ 0.001) supported the right to choose between identifiable or anonymous donors, and 58.6% (p ≤ 0.001) believed children conceived with donated sperm should know their genetic origin. However, 61.7% (p ≤ 0.01) expressed discomfort with the removal of anonymity, and 70.7% (p ≤ 0.001) were unaware of donor recruitment criteria. Crucially, lack of awareness of eligibility criteria and legal regulations surrounding sperm donation were perceived as barriers. Conclusions The findings indicate a broadly positive outlook on sperm donation among Scottish men, largely driven by altruistic considerations and recognition of the societal benefits. Younger respondents may view sperm donation as a way to confirm their fertility. The study also highlights the need to raise awareness about donor eligibility criteria, such as the importance of a healthy lifestyle, the smoking cessation, and the support available to donors. Promoting this understanding through targeted educational initiatives could help foster a more supportive culture around sperm donation in Scotland. Additionally, policymakers and healthcare providers must work to create an environment that addresses concerns around the removal of anonymity and encourage informed participation.

AB - Purpose Understanding male perspectives on sperm donation is essential for improving donor recruitment and addressing ethical challenges in assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, there is limited research on awareness, attitude, and barriers towards sperm donation in Scotland. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the attitudes of Scottish men toward sperm donation to develop targeted recruitment campaigns. Methods An online survey of 169 men aged 18–45 in Scotland assessed demographics, attitudes toward sperm donation, willingness to donate, motivations, and views on donor identity disclosure. Recruitment was via online platforms, email, and fliers in major cities. Chi-square tests and Spearman’s rank correlation identified significant associations between demographics and survey responses. Results The analysis revealed positive attitudes toward sperm donation, with 86.4% (p ≤ 0.001) viewing it as a generous act. Most respondents (85.2%, p ≤ 0.001) supported the right to choose between identifiable or anonymous donors, and 58.6% (p ≤ 0.001) believed children conceived with donated sperm should know their genetic origin. However, 61.7% (p ≤ 0.01) expressed discomfort with the removal of anonymity, and 70.7% (p ≤ 0.001) were unaware of donor recruitment criteria. Crucially, lack of awareness of eligibility criteria and legal regulations surrounding sperm donation were perceived as barriers. Conclusions The findings indicate a broadly positive outlook on sperm donation among Scottish men, largely driven by altruistic considerations and recognition of the societal benefits. Younger respondents may view sperm donation as a way to confirm their fertility. The study also highlights the need to raise awareness about donor eligibility criteria, such as the importance of a healthy lifestyle, the smoking cessation, and the support available to donors. Promoting this understanding through targeted educational initiatives could help foster a more supportive culture around sperm donation in Scotland. Additionally, policymakers and healthcare providers must work to create an environment that addresses concerns around the removal of anonymity and encourage informed participation.

KW - Sperm donation

KW - Infertility

KW - Scotland

U2 - 10.1007/s13178-025-01213-5

DO - 10.1007/s13178-025-01213-5

M3 - Article

SN - 1868-9884

JO - Sexuality Research and Social Policy

JF - Sexuality Research and Social Policy

ER -