Fertility & Cryopreservation FAQ

Q. Who "owns" my sperm sample(s)?

A. The male who produced the samples is the sole owner. Wives, girlfriends, partners, significant others, or parents do not have legal rights to the samples.

Q. Why is legal custody of cryopreserved samples an issue?

 A. Cryopreserved semen, when combined with a female's egg, can result in the conception of a human life. Only the male who produced the sample has the right to determine the use of his genetic material. The storage and use of preserved gametes is strictly regulated by the American Association of Tissue Banks. The University of Michigan Medical Center adheres to their guidelines. The University of Michigan accepts responsibility for the storage and custody of banked cryopreserved sperm.

Q. After the initial storage, what are my options for use of the cryopreserved specimen?

a.You may request release of the frozen specimen for use in an assisted reproduction procedure at the University of Michigan Medical Center.

b. You may request that the banked specimens be released from the University of Michigan Medical Center and transferred to another medical facility for use in an assisted reproductive procedure. The sample will be sent, frozen, in a special liquid nitrogen tank to the physician responsible for the ART procedure.

Ten business days are required to prepare and ship the sample. Please be certain you have sent a NOTARIZED REQUEST to our lab in advance of the procedure.

c. You may request that the banked specimens be released from the University of Michigan Medical Center and transferred to the responsibility and custody of another sperm bank. Written, notarized request is required.

d. You may no longer desire or need to continue the banking of specimens and may direct the samples to be destroyed. Written, notarized request is required.

e. You may no longer desire or need to continue the banking of specimens; you may release ownership and donate the specimens for use in scientific research. Written, notarized request is required.

Q. Who can request release or transfer of banked specimens?

A. Specimens will be released ONLY with the written consent of the male, and ONLY to another laboratory, sperm bank or physician. Wives, fiancées, girlfriends and significant others of donors have no ownership of banked specimen. Parents of minor donors, although responsible for the storage fee, cannot request release of the specimen for reproductive use.

Q. Is there a charge for transfer of specimens to another facility for reproductive use or storage?

A. Yes. Please contact 877-907-0859 for more information.

Q. What happens if I move from the state of Michigan?

A. You are responsible for notifying us about your address change. If we are unaware of your new address, you may not receive your annual storage invoice. If we do not receive payment for 2 consecutive years, the specimens will be destroyed.

Q. Do I have any options if I am without funds at the time of the annual storage bill?

A. Yes, let us know, and we will help devise a payment plan. Do not ignore the bill, as we will assume you are no longer interested in maintains the samples, and after 2 years, with no contact, the specimens will be destroyed.

Q. Is there a time limit for using my sperm?

A. At this time, we believe that sperm will survive indefinitely.

Q. What happens to my samples if I die?

A. The specimens are your legal property. The final disposition of the samples must be recorded in your last will and testament. In the absence of legal documentation, the specimens will be destroyed.

In summary, specimens will be destroyed under the following circumstances: