July 13 (UPI) -- Researchers in Australia found that children conceived using donor sperm have similar health and well-being when compared to the general population.
The study, published July 11 in Reproductive BioMedicine Online, examined the psychological development of 224 Australian children between age 5 and 11 who were conceived using donor sperm.
"For prospective parents, the decision to use donor sperm can seem like a step into the unknown," Professor David Amor of Murdoch Children's Research Institute, said in a press release. "Our results should provide reassurance that the physical, psychological and mental health of children conceived using donor sperm is similar to that of children in the general population."
Mothers of the children completed questionnaires about psycho-social and mental health, child development, and healthcare needs.
Results showed that the overall health and well-being of the children were similar to children in the general population. The researchers also report finding the mother's health and well-being was better compared to the general population.
The study also found that the type of family structure the children were born into did not impact the health and well-being of the children conceived by sperm donors.
