Sperm Donor Selection and Race/Ethnicity

Racial and ethnic considerations often affect LGBTQ individuals and couples when selecting a sperm donor for donor insemination (DI) to conceive a child. Race is broadly defined as a group of people with distinctive physical traits, such as skin color or facial features. Ethnicity refers to membership of a group often defined by ancestry, language, or shared cultural values. Individuals, couples, and families in the LGBTQ community may state both a racial identity and membership with an ethnic group. The importance an LGBTQ individual or couple places on their racial or ethnic background often plays an integral role in how they select a sperm donor.

This entry discusses different ways LGBTQ people consider race and ethnicity when prioritizing characteristics for sperm donor selection. Following a brief ...