Of 711 physicians likely to perform artificial insemination by donor surveyed to determine their current practices, 471 responded, of whom 379 reported that they performed this procedure. They accounted for approximately 3576 births by this means in 1977. In addition to treating infertility, 26 per cent of these physicians used the procedure to prevent transmission of a genetic disease, and 10 per cent used if for single women. Donors of semen were primarily from universities, were only superficially screened for genetic diseases, and were then matched phenotypically to the recipient's husband. Most recipients were inseminated twice per cycle. Only 17 per cent of physicians used the same donor for a given recipient, and 32 per cent used multiple donors within a single cycle. Only 37 per cent kept records on children, and only 30 per cent on donors. The identity of donors usually was carefully guarded to ensure privacy and to avoid legal complications.
PIP: In December 1977 a questionnaire was sent to 711 physicians likely to perform artificial insemination by donor. 379 of the 471 who responded indicated that they performed this procedure, accounting for approximately 3576 births by this means in 1977. In addition to treating infertility, 26% of these physicians used the procedure to prevent transmission of a genetic disease. 10% of the physicians used the procedure for single women. Donors of semen were primarily from universities, were only superficially screened for genetic diseases, and were then matched phenotypically to the recipient's husband. 61.4% of the doctors inseminated women twice per cycle; others did so either once (17%) or 3 times (20.5%). Only 17% of physicians used the same donor for a given recipient, and 32% used multiple donors within a single cycle. Only 37% kept records on children, and only 30% on donors. The identity of donors usually was carefully guarded to ensure privacy and to avoid legal complications. On the basis of the results of this survey, the following issues concerning artificial insemination by donor appear most important: 1) the screening of donors for genetic diseases is inadequate; 2) current practices reflect little concern for the possibility of consanguineous matings or other effects of multiple donor use; 3) present records on artificial insemination are woefully deficient; and 4) information concerning artificial insemination is scanty.