College students wanting to donate sperm or eggs for extra cash might not realize the extensive process ahead, but if they do make it through screening, the benefits are lucrative.
Cryobiology Inc., a sperm bank in Columbus, offers between forty and fifty-five dollars per sperm sample, depending on the amount of information the donor is willing to release, says lab supervisor Donna Ridder.
It is the only anonymous sperm bank in Ohio, and there are less than twenty sperm banks in the U.S. total.
However, in order to donate sperm, the potential donors must undergo an extensive screening process.
They are required to fill out a short questionnaire, and then give two different semen samples on two different days in order to ensure their sample will survive the freezing and thawing process. After this, 90% of applicants are disqualified.
Next, the donor must complete a three-generation family health form and pass viral and genetic testing. After passing all phases, the donor can then be accepted into the program for the next nine months.
It's not like donating plasma
it's a pretty big time commitment said Ridder.
Before the screening process begins, donors must also meet several requirements. One of these includes being between the ages of 18 and 40. The entire list of requirements can be found on the Cryobiology Inc. Web site.
I don't see myself needing to do that to get money said Joseph Eckenrode, an Ohio University freshmen studying athletic training.
Potential egg donors must also undergo an extensive process and meet a list of requirements.
The Web site of an agency called Reproductive Assistance Inc. states that it exists to make the process of finding and choosing an egg donor
surrogate or gestational carrier as quick
easy and painless as possible.
This agency has a list of requirements and qualifications on its Web site. Some of these include being between the ages 21 and 32, having regular periods and having a healthy medical history. The egg donor may receive $3,000 dollars or more per egg, and repeat donors may ask for a higher compensation.
Despite the amount of money, Shanise Butts, a sophomore studying psychology and criminology, won't be taking part in the process anytime soon.
I would just prefer people to adopt instead of using donated sperm and/or eggs
she said.
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Cassie Diltz
