Understanding donor types

While all our donors have been rigorously screened to help ensure they’re qualified, California Cryobank® offers different donor types regarding how (or if) a donor chooses to disclose their identity. Understanding your options is important in making the decision that’s right for you and your future family.

Levels of identification disclosure

ID disclosure donor

ID disclosure donors have agreed to allow California Cryobank to release their identifying information should a donor-conceived individual request it once they turn 18. This information may include the donor’s full name, date of birth, and last-known address.  

Open donor

Open donors have agreed to one communication with a donor-conceived person once they turn 18 years of age. We strive to make every donor/donor-conceived person contact a meaningful one. However, there may be situations outside of our control that prevent donor/donor-conceived person contact from occurring.

Anonymous donor

Anonymous donors have not agreed to any contact with a donor-conceived person, but have not ruled out possible anonymous interaction in the future.

ID disclosure donor

ID disclosure donors have agreed to allow California Cryobank to release their identifying information should a donor-conceived individual request it once they turn 18. This information may include the donor’s full name, date of birth, and last-known address.  

Open donor

Open donors have agreed to one communication with a donor-conceived person once they turn 18 years of age. We strive to make every donor/donor-conceived person contact a meaningful one. However, there may be situations outside of our control that prevent donor/donor-conceived person contact from occurring.

Anonymous donor

Anonymous donors have not agreed to any contact with a donor-conceived person, but have not ruled out possible anonymous interaction in the future.

Considerations for donor contact

Regardless of the donor type you choose, there may come a time when your donor-conceived child may want to know more about that donor. Here are some of the requirements for doing so:

Making a request to contact

Understanding the guidelines

California Cryobank reserves the right to deny access to the donor’s identifying information if the donor-conceived person does not agree to the program guidelines as stated.

How we provide assistance

California Cryobank will make reasonable efforts to supply additional information either from our records or by attempting to contact the donor on the donor-conceived person’s behalf, if requested. If the donor is willing, California Cryobank will help facilitate the initial contact.

Arranging additional communication

Additional communication is possible if mutually agreed upon by the donor and donor-conceived person. California Cryobank will continue to moderate all contact until either party opts to discontinue or both parties agree to direct interaction.

Guidelines by donor type

For each donor type, we've created specific guidelines to help ensure donor privacy and safe donor/donor-conceived contact (when applicable).

Respecting our donors’ privacy

Donor privacy policy reminder

page divider

Making contact for medical concerns

A parent may not, either for themselves or on behalf of their underage donor-conceived person, receive any additional information on their donor beyond the available profile. Any medical concerns, genetic questions, or medical update requests/shares should be directed to the California Cryobank reproductive genetic specialists.

Your future family starts at California Cryobank

With hundreds of donors to choose from — all highly qualified and thoroughly screened — we’re here to provide the donor that’s the right fit for your family.
Find a donor

Still have questions?

Each moment in this process matters. We’re here to walk you through it all — from the biggest “what ifs'' to the smallest “but hows.”

Call us at

Email us at

Discover more resources

Check out our valuable resources to help you learn more about using donor sperm for your family building.
Learn more

Compare up to four donors

Compare donors

Compare up to four donors

Item 1 of 4
Compare donors