“My little one is now 17 months old and is worth every trip”

Sybille had a son through sperm donation in Switzerland

What family model do you live in?

Solo mother – with a lot of support from my parents, whom I appreciate very much

What do you appreciate about this family model?

Since I have never been in a relationship and may never be due to my disability, I was able to fulfill my desire to have children through sperm donation.

What have you found difficult in this family model?

Various things, but among others the legal basis in Switzerland, which actually prohibits private sperm donation. I find it very frustrating that a one night stand without contraception doesn’t seem to be a problem, but a well organized private sperm donation, where among other things the health of the donor is tested and everything is discussed beforehand exactly how it is right for both, is. Simply because then there is an intention behind it, and this is illegal (while the one night stand falls under “shit happens”…).

How could this difficulty be overcome?

I contacted a lawyer beforehand and discussed with her what I should and should not tell the KESB (child and adult protection authority, which is automatically called in in Switzerland as soon as a child is born with an unknown father). If possible, without lying, but also without getting me into trouble. At the same time I would like to deal with the topic openly in my environment (and above all I would like my child to be able to do so, but I always have the fear in the background that the KESB could still find out about the story – the world is small and everyone knows everyone…). Nevertheless, the journey is worthwhile. My little one is now 17 months old and is worth every trip!