Over time, though, as the practice became more widespread and eventually commercial, single and lesbian women began availing themselves of the wares sold openly from sperm banks such as California Cryobank and Cryos International.

CNN: Science led to gay families: Law should follow

Unlike obtaining sperm from a fertility clinic, which has acquired it from a sperm bank, Cryos International enables customers to browse online to choose the donors which suit their needs - essentially shopping for a father.

BBC: Fertility trade: Eggs, sperm and rented wombs