Trent Arsenault is a virgin, but that hasn't stopped him from fathering fifteen children. New York Magazine reports that the computer-security engineer has been a do-it-yourself sperm donor since 2006. He connects with couples who are seeking a sperm donor online.
So far, many couples have turned to Arsenault for his services. He is intelligent, in seemingly good health and willing to provide what is normally a costly service for free. The Fertility Center of California, for example, charges up to $615 for one premium vial of anonymous donor sperm. There are no guarantees that pregnancy will occur, nor are there guarantees that the donor is of engineer-caliber intelligence.
Arsenault has run into trouble with authorities, but the cease-manufacture order he was issued is in limbo until the Food and Drug Administration decides whether to grant the 35-year-old a hearing. The FDA says he isn't testing himself for diseases often enough; Arsenault points to his virginity to counter its argument.
The order to cease manufacturing of HTC/P's was hand-delivered to Mr. Trent Arsenault in Fremont, Calif., on Nov. 1, 2010. It cited non-compliance with many of its guidelines.
The FDA website explains that "donated reproductive tissue[s] are regulated as human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps). Any establishment that performs one or more manufacturing steps for HCT/Ps (recovery, processing, storage, labeling, packaging or distribution of products) must register with FDA and list their HCT/Ps."
Typical donor screening from a clinic follows standards set forth by the FDA, the American Association of Tissue Banks and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
MedlinePlus, a site run by the National Institute of Health, reports that in one-third of cases involving infertility, it is the male who can't father biological children. The causes can be physical, hormonal, environmental or life-style related. Sperm donors can make it possible for these couples to have children. Donors are also frequently sought by same-sex couples.
The FDA has not made a decision about whether to give Arsenault a hearing.Though he says his virginity makes the frequent testing unnecessary, there is no way of proving that claim. Over 500 people seem to take his word for it, though. And the list of people who want to have his children continues to grow. Because he doesn't form intimate relationships with his clients, there is little chance that he will ever be sued for child support. He does plan to be involved in his children's lives, though. He told NYM, "I think I'm doing a good thing." And after explaining his religious reasons for wanting to help infertile couples, he asked, "What do you think Jesus would do?"
Whether Arsenault will be forced to stop providing his services is yet to be seen. In the meantime, he's still open for business and has three more kids on the way.
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