Seeking sperm, not sex, online

Online banking has taken on a brave new meaning.

Much as your local credit union simplifies applying for a first-time home loan, sperm bank websites are helping people start families.

Women looking to conceive can view long lists of possible sperm donors, which feature general profiles including height/weight statistics, ethnic background and education levels. Some sites provide audio interview clips, detailed family health background information and even donor photo matching.

Prospective parents aren't the only ones using the Net for sperm-related activity. Alice Ruby, director of the Sperm Bank of California, said her Berkeley organization recruits sperm donors online.

And last month, Sperm Bank of California abandoned the practice of sending out paper copies of its quarterly newsletter. "Almost everybody does (the donor selection) online now," Ruby said.

"It is entirely possible for someone to do the whole donor insemination process online," Ruby said. "Most of our international recipients choose to do it that way." Though, she added, people who have questions are encouraged to call the sperm bank's help line.

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