Sperm Trade Promoted by Donor Sibling Registry Website
Looking for sperm and don’t want to go to a sperm bank? You may want to check out the Donor Sibling Registry (DSR). Created as a registry to reunite donor–conceived (DC) individuals (those conceived via donated sperm or eggs) with their donors and siblings, the DSR has some other less-publicized benefits. Parents of DC children can advertise and obtain extra sperm from donors on the same pages where others seek to identify and connect with relatives torn separated by anonymous donation. 
The DSR is like a members-only version of Craigslist aimed at family reunion. Hundreds of pages, each dedicated to a sperm-dispensing facility around the world contain icons denoting posts from parents, DC individuals, and donors. Via two additional icons, parents can indicate possession of “extra” sperm (half-full vial) or the need for additional sperm (empty vial). Theoretically, enabling parents of DC children to create more children with the same donor, which is especially beneficial with retired donors.
Parents, typically with young DC children, dominate the site. An unofficial search of the entire site found about 5 to 6 times the number of parents versus DC users and even fewer sperm and egg donors (< 5 percent users). Moreover, the posts of parents with vial icons outnumber DC posts by nearly 2 to 1.
"Let me start off by saying the [DSR] has done some great things, but if this were a site for the sick advertising organs for trade, people would flip out… since it’s sperm it is somehow ok,” said one DC adult who wished to remain anonymous.
When I found out I was a DC child, the DSR was one of my first destinations. This is common because it’s nearly impossible to do a search on donor conception without coming across the site or its creator, Wendy Kramer. Considered an “expert” on donor conception by many, Kramer is quoted in most media on the topic and has even co-authored a number of scientific studies listed on the site.
Kramer herself conceived via anonymous sperm and started the DSR in 2000 in response to her son’s desire to find his donor. The site has grown since boasting more than 30,000 users and over 8,000 matches. Five years ago the site implemented an annual fee, now at $75. The large user base and mandatory fee produce a considerable income. Since 2006 the DSR has publically posted tax returns as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and claimed over $300,000 in net assets and fund balances last year.
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