3. Fathers
5/2/202628 min
Technology catches up with sperm donors in ways they could never have imagined.
In The Gift, Jenny Kleeman has always looked at extraordinary truths that unravel when people take at-home DNA tests. For Series 3, Jenny is asking what it means to belong in a world where the global DNA database keeps expanding.
Presenter: Jenny Kleeman Producer: Conor Garrett Production Coordinator: Juliette Harvey Commissioning Executive: Tracy Williams Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke
The Gift is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsAaron· Guest0:00
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Speaker 10:03
Make Mother's Day even more special at Whole Foods Market. Kick off brunch or dinner with quality cheese and charcuterie with no synthetic nitrates. Then go seafood. There's an abundance on sale at Whole Foods Market, where it's all sustainable wild caught or responsibly farmed. At the bakery, grab seasonal treats like their strawberry pretzel cream pie, and you can't go wrong with a ready-to-heat quiche Lorraine, deviled eggs, and fresh cut fruits to go. Celebrate mom with Whole Foods Market.
Jessica· Guest0:34
When you order sperm, it comes in like those big tanks like that you would see for helium balloons at a party.
Jenny Kleeman· Host0:43
We've heard from donor-conceived people before on The Gift. At-home DNA tests have unlocked a world of possibility for them, and we know the reasons why people like Jessica choose to use a sperm donor.
Jessica· Guest0:56
The FedEx man brings it to your door, leaves this giant tank with a return overnight label because it's in liquid nitrogen, so it's very, very cold, and you open it up, and it smokes like you're a scientist.
Jenny Kleeman· Host1:08
So far, I've not spoken to any of the men who provide the sperm. It's rare to hear their voices, their reasons for donating, and how they feel about the people they've helped create. You got in touch, James. You dropped me a line, and you described yourself as a retired sperm donor. What does that mean?