When Adam Zayden saw his older sister struggling to start a family, he knew he could help. The 25-year-old selflessly donated his sperm to his sister Jade and her wife Eefje, making him the proud uncle of his biological son.
Adam, a social media influencer from Newham, London, stepped in when Jade, 29, and Eefje, 30, faced challenges in finding a suitable donor since 2018. “They’d become so frustrated with the donor process – it just felt like the right, and easy thing to do,” he said.
After six months, Eefje successfully became pregnant. With Jade’s help, she inseminated herself using Adam’s donation. The couple is now proud parents of a baby boy, born on March 18, 2023, weighing 9 lbs. Adam notes that the baby has his and Jade’s “bum chin” but resembles Eefje.
Reflecting on his decision, Adam shared, “This whole process has made me so much closer to my sister and her partner. Now they have a little boy, and I’m really happy for them”, told Daily Mail.
Jade expressed how important having children was for Eefje, and while adoption was considered, it seemed lengthy and expensive. Sperm donation became the more appropriate route. The couple, who live in Amsterdam, faced many challenges in their journey. Jade, a researcher and developer, and Eefje, a vet, found the process emotionally taxing, with potential donors falling through and others suggesting inappropriate methods.
“It really was an emotional rollercoaster due to opening yourself up in the most vulnerable of times and being dependent on strangers to help fulfill one of your biggest dreams,” Jade revealed.
In the Netherlands, artificial insemination isn’t covered by health insurance, making the search for a donor extensive and often costly. However, Adam’s offer came as a relief. Despite previously joking about this scenario, it turned out to be an easy decision for him, especially since he didn’t want children of his own.
Adam had to undergo several tests to ensure he was a suitable donor, including an STD test and a sperm count. “I found out I’m very fertile,” he added, humorously. He was also instructed to take a pill to boost his sperm count and monitor Eefje’s ovulation.
During the critical week each month from December 2021 to June 2022, Adam would perform his part of the process nightly. “Every night during that one-week period, Jade would take the dog out for a walk. I’d go upstairs, do my thing, and hand Eefje the sperm,” he shared.
After numerous attempts, Eefje finally became pregnant. Jade affirmed the couple’s happiness with their choice, saying, “It was great having someone you really know and trust, because it’s such an emotional time.”
Adam’s selfless act not only brought immense joy to his sister and her wife but also strengthened their familial bond. As an uncle to his biological son, Adam’s generosity and love have created a unique and heartwarming family story.