A major European investigation has uncovered that a sperm donor, carrying a rare genetic mutation linked to extremely high cancer risk, helped conceive at least 197 children across multiple countries. Several of these children have already developed cancer, and some have died.
The sperm was never sold to UK fertility clinics. However, a small number of British families traveled to Denmark for treatment and used this donor’s sperm. All of them have now been notified.
The Mutation Behind the Tragedy
The donor, who began donating as a student in 2005, was unaware he carried a mutation in the TP53 gene, which plays a critical role in preventing cancer. Although most of his body does not contain the faulty gene, up to 20% of his sperm carry the dangerous mutation.
Children conceived using those affected sperm inherit the mutation in every cell of their body, leading to Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. This condition carries up to a 90% lifetime cancer risk, especially childhood cancers and breast cancer later in life.
Doctors say the diagnosis is devastating. Children with this syndrome require annual whole-body MRIs, brain scans, and abdominal ultrasounds to detect tumors early. Many women choose preventive mastectomies due to the extreme risk.
How the Discovery Emerged
Genetic specialists first raised alarms earlier this year after treating multiple unrelated children with aggressive cancers—all linked back to the same donor.
Initial reports uncovered 67 known children, but new records and Freedom of Information requests revealed the true number was far higher, at least 197 children.
Some developed two separate cancers before reaching adulthood. Several have already passed away.
Families React With Shock and Anger
One French mother, identified as Céline, learned her daughter carried the mutation after a clinic urged her to seek screening. She said she holds no resentment toward the donor himself but is deeply troubled that sperm carrying such a dangerous risk was distributed so widely.
“We don’t know when the cancer will appear, or which type,” she said. “But we know it’s coming, and we’ll face it every time.”
Regulatory Gaps Exposed
The donor’s sperm was used by 67 fertility clinics in 14 countries. While individual nations set limits on donor usage, there is no global limit, allowing widespread distribution through international sperm banks.
For example:
- Belgium allows sperm from one donor for six families, but this donor fathered 53 children there.
- The UK limit is 10 families, though UK clinics did not sell this sperm.
Experts say heavy reliance on large international sperm banks makes strict global control difficult.
Calls for Reform
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology recently suggested limiting donors to 50 families globally, not for genetic safety, but to reduce future psychological harm among the hundreds of half-siblings created.
Advocates say much stronger international oversight is needed, especially as similar cases emerge—including one donor ordered to stop after fathering 550 children.
If You’re Considering Donor Sperm
Experts stress that cases like this are extremely rare and that licensed clinics still provide significantly safer screening than natural conception. They encourage parents to ask:
- Is the donor local or international?
- How many families has this donor contributed to?
- What screening does the clinic perform?
