Legal Definitions - exogamous insemination

Exogamous Insemination refers to a medical procedure where sperm from a donor, who is not the recipient's sexual partner, is introduced into the recipient's reproductive tract to achieve pregnancy. This method is typically chosen when an individual or couple cannot conceive using sperm from their partner, or when a single individual or same-sex couple wishes to conceive.

• Example 1: Heterosexual Couple Facing Male Infertility

  A married couple, Sarah and Mark, have been trying to conceive for several years. After medical evaluations, it is determined that Mark has severe infertility, making natural conception or conception with his sperm through assisted reproductive technologies highly unlikely. They decide to pursue pregnancy using donor sperm from a licensed sperm bank. Sarah undergoes an insemination procedure using the donor sperm.

  This illustrates exogamous insemination because the sperm used to achieve pregnancy comes from a donor who is external to Sarah and Mark's marital partnership. The sperm is "exogamous" as it originates from outside their immediate couple.

• Example 2: Single Woman Pursuing Parenthood

  Emily, a single woman, has always wanted to be a mother. After careful consideration, she decides to pursue parenthood independently. She consults with a fertility clinic and selects a sperm donor from a reputable sperm bank. She then undergoes intrauterine insemination (IUI) using the donor sperm.

  This is an example of exogamous insemination because Emily, as a single individual, is using sperm from a donor who is not her partner. The sperm source is external to her personal relationship context, fulfilling the "exogamous" aspect.

• Example 3: Same-Sex Female Couple Starting a Family

  Maria and Jessica, a married same-sex couple, decide they want to have a child. After discussing their options, they choose for Maria to carry the pregnancy. They select an anonymous sperm donor from a fertility clinic's donor program and proceed with an insemination procedure using the chosen donor's sperm.

  This demonstrates exogamous insemination because the sperm used to conceive comes from a donor who is not either Maria or Jessica, the partners in the couple. The sperm is sourced from outside their partnership, making it an "exogamous" contribution to their family.