Extended screening: IQ and criminal records
At Donor-Network, we thoroughly screen our donors, including criminal background and intelligence quotient (IQ) screening. This approach is fundamental to our commitment to ensuring the well-being of future children and their families.
The Role of Criminal Background Screening
Criminal behaviour is a multifaceted trait influenced by a blend of genetic and environmental factors. Scientific research suggests that the heritability of criminal behaviour ranges from 40% to 70%, underscoring the significant impact of genetics on this trait. In the context of sperm donation, it's crucial to account for the potential heritability of such behaviour due to its serious potential implications for children and families. As such, Donor-Network mandates that our donors possess a clean criminal record.
The Importance of IQ Screening
IQ is significantly heritable, with genetics playing a key role. Research indicates that up to 80% of the variation in IQ scores can be attributed to genetic factors, suggesting that a person's IQ is largely influenced by the genes inherited from their parents.
Intelligence, a broad mental capability, encompasses a myriad of abilities, including reasoning, planning, problem-solving, abstract thinking, understanding complex ideas, and learning quickly from experiences. Intelligence extends beyond academic skill and test-taking abilities encapsulating a more comprehensive and profound capability for comprehending our surroundings. It facilitates 'catching onto' new information, 'making sense' of things, and 'figuring out' how to handle diverse situations. Intelligence measured in youth is positively correlated with various occupational, educational, health, and social outcomes throughout life.
Low IQ can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Furthermore, it’s linked to poor decision-making and problem-solving abilities, potentially leading to adverse outcomes in personal and professional life. Moreover, it's associated with a higher risk of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. For these reasons, we exclude potential donors with a low IQ. Beyond the risk of the donor having difficulties comprehending the full implications of sperm donation, the high heritability of IQ means their children may face similar challenges.
