Browse Films

It's not like most little girls growing up in the 1970's and 1980's  thought, "oh I can't wait to grow up and pick my sperm over the Internet." But the truth is right now only 6% of American children will grow up in a "traditional family"  and we're lucky to have some of the best reproductive options worldwide.    Director Deirdre Fishel takes an intimate, behind the scenes look at her own experiences and that of three other diverse women as they go on a trip they never imagined--to try to have children solo using donor sperm.

A powerful tool for courses in Psychology, Sociology, Women's Studies and Gender Studies, the film documents women willing to struggle with parents, money, one with a new boyfriend, another with her African American Baptist church, in order not to miss parenting.  In following these women over years, as they move from fear and self-consciousness to gratitude and celebration , the documentary adds depth and insight into the new options facing women today.
 
From the strangeness and humor of picking an anonymous donor to the creation of joyous families of both biological and adopted children, SPERM DONOR X: A Different Conception provides a powerful challenge to old ideas about making a family.

In telling her own story and that of three other women, Deirdre Fishel speaks for the many thousands of women who have or are considering becoming single mothers by choice. Her openness and honesty are breathtaking. She presents a beautiful and indisputable counterpoint to the many incorrect assumptions about why women are pursuing parenthood on their own.
Jane Mattes
Single Mothers By Choice

Sperm Donor X is a gem. From pre-baby to discussions with family and friends -- it captures the dilemmas and joys of single parenting. It also raises important questions about middle class women raising children with the help of a broad social network instead of live-in partners. The doc is an exciting teaching tool for college courses, opening up critical dialogue about how U.S. families are changing.
Rosanna Hertz, Sociology, Women’s & Gender Studies, Wellesley College
Author, Single by Chance, Mothers by Choice: How Women are Choosing Parenthood without Marriage and Creating the New American Fa

By following a group of women over several years, Sperm Donor X grounds and illuminates the social, economic & emotional issues of women trying to having children alone with reproductive technology. The diversity of the group and the diversity of their experiences makes this a truly powerful tool for discussion in University classrooms.
Josephine Anstey
Media Studies, University of Buffalo

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