Couple to have first 'Internet baby'
By Elaine Galloway, Evening Standard
27 June 2003
Britain's first known DIY internet baby will be born next month, it was revealed today. A married couple from the South-East conceived the child using sperm bought from a website.
After paying a fee to browse the site, they were able to check criteria such as race, eye colour, height and weight of prospective donors, as well as details about their background, educational history and artistic ability.
They were then sent a home ovulation kit. When the woman, who is in her twenties, was at her most fertile, the website was alerted. A sample was collected from the donor and rushed to their home by courier. The couple were then left to carry out the procedure themselves.
News of the impending birth is sure to cause controversy. Supporters say the site provides a vital service for women who need a sperm donor to conceive but don't wish to use a conventional clinic. Some clinics will not treat women who are single, above a certain age or in a lesbian relationship.
But critics say selling sperm for commercial gain is unacceptable as is denying the child the right to know its father.
The Standard can reveal that 16 women are currently carrying babies conceived with sperm bought on the site Man Not Included, which was launched 12 months ago. The birth will be the first and the couple have asked not to be identified.
But another couple who are also expecting a child after using the site have gone public.
Jamie, 26, from Liverpool, turned to the service after deciding she wanted children with her partner of four years, Sarah, and getting no help from her GP.
She said: "We had been thinking about having children for about two years, but I was starting to think it would never happen."
The couple registered immediately they discovered the website.
Jamie said: "It was fantastic. Everyone was really helpful and we found the whole process simple. Everything happened when they said it would and doing everything at home meant it was private and comfortable."
Jamie conceived on her first attempt and is expecting a child in January. She said: "It is amazing. I jumped around the house when I found out and Sarah just sat in shock.
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