Sperm donors do not pay child support in Ohio because they are not deemed to be a legal parent, and thus, have no parental rights or responsibilities to the child. Here’s what you need to know about sperm donors and child support in Ohio.
The bill provides that a donor is not to be considered as a parent of a child born of a sperm donation. The donor has no parental rights or responsibilities concerning the child and the rights are vested in the recipients of the sperm.
Related: How to Get a Restraining Order in Ohio
What is a Sperm Donor?
“Donor” is a term referring to a man who supplies semen for non-spousal artificial insemination.
Understanding Sperm Donors
Most of Ohio’s statutes regarding sperm donors deal primarily with married couples. When a married woman uses donated sperm to conceive with the consent of her husband, said husband automatically becomes the child’s father. Ohio law treats the husband as if he were the natural father. Accordingly, the sperm donor is considered to have no rights or obligations concerning the child.
In order for these legal presumptions are then effective, a couple must follow Ohio’s requirements for assisted reproduction which are the following:
- The couple must have been married before the child’s birth
- The artificial insemination must have been performed by a physician or under the direction of a physician
- The donor must have had a physical, blood tests, and medical history taken prior to the insemination procedure
FAQS About Sperm Donors and Child Support in Ohio
Where can I get a sperm donation?
Donor Sperm Banks
There are several sperm banks to choose from. Most sperm banks have online catalogs that allow recipients to select the donor of their choice based upon physical attributes, ethnicity, childhood photos, and other characteristics. Various sperm banks offer different testing options, including genetic testing, so it is important to take this into account when searching for the right sperm bank. Donor sperm may be purchased as single vials which are often labeled for either IUI or IVF. In the case of IUI’s, multiple vials are often available for purchase. Check with the sperm bank to see what offers they have.
Known Sperm Donor
A known male sperm donor is a friend or a family member that is willing to donate sperm to the intended parent. Even in the case of known donors, a sperm bank should still screen the donor and guide the intended parent and the donor through the consent and FDA screening process. The intended parents may choose whatever sperm bank of their choosing. Next, the donor collects and makes a direct donation to the intended parent.
The use of donated sperm is referred to as third-party reproduction. Donated sperm can be injected into a woman’s reproductive organs, intrauterine insemination, or used to fertilize mature eggs in a lab, in vitro fertilization. Costs vary between these two methods and they might work differently for individuals based on their context, so consider doing research to find which best suits you.
Related: Ohio Surrogacy Laws & Legal Process
Do I need a contract?
Some prefer to have everything in writing. While a contract is not necessary in this case, it may be an attractive option:
- Formalizing the rights and obligations of donor and recipient into a contract
- When individuals prefer to set forth expectations as to continued disclosure of medical issues that might arise
- When individuals prefer to set forth expectations of promise to provide tissue or bone marrow if the resulting child should need it
- For maintaining confidentiality as it relates to friends, family, and the child
How much will a sperm donation cost?
Sperm donations can vary immensely because there are so many ways to receive or purchase sperm and then there are different processes to impregnate the mother. Sperm banks in Ohio start at about $800, a price that can change drastically depending on certain preferences and packages.
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