I am azopermic and cannot have a child. Can my wife get an artificial sperm donation from another Jew, and bear a child? Is this permitted in orthodox Judaism?
Answer:
This is an extremely delicate question, which depends on personal factors, and cannot really be answered in an internet forum. Authorities do not permit receiving sperm donations from another Jew, because this might lead to questions over the status of the child. However, some authorities permit receiving a sperm donation from a non-Jew, which would solve the question of the child’s status (he would be a kosher Jew, on account of his Jewish mother). I would highly recommend consulting with an Orthodox Rabbi who knows you personally, or who you could get to know, for further guidance.
Sources: Iggros Moshe (Even Ha’Ezer 1:71) permits receiving a sperm donation from a non-Jew; however, a number of authorities, including Minchas Yitzchak (4:5), Tzitz Eliezer (9:51), and Yabia Omer (8:21), prohibit it.
