In brief
An investigation has uncovered that a sperm donor with a dangerous genetic mutation linked to cancer has fathered 197 children in Europe, prompting serious ethical discussions on donor screening and fertility treatments. Families of these children face lifelong health uncertainties, with the potential for severe health risks related to the inherited mutation. The case highlights critical issues in the regulation of sperm donation and the oversight of fertility clinics across various countries.
A sperm donor who unknowingly harbored a genetic mutation that dramatically raises the risk of cancer has fathered at least 197 children across Europe, a major investigation has revealed.
Some children have already died and only a minority who inherit the mutation will escape cancer in their lifetimes.
The sperm was not sold to UK clinics, but the BBC can confirm a very small number of British families, who have been informed, used the donor's sperm while having fertility treatment in Denmark.
Denmark's European Sperm Bank, which sold the sperm, said families affected had their deepest sympathy and admitted the sperm was used to make too many babies in some countries.
The investigation has been conducted by 14 public service broadcasters, including the BBC, as part of the European Broadcasting Union's Investigative Journalism Network.
The sperm came from an anonymous man who was paid to donate as a student, starting in 2005. His sperm was then used by women for around 17 years.
He is healthy and passed the donor screening checks. However, the DNA in some of his cells mutated before he was born.
It damaged the TP53 gene – which has the crucial role of preventing the body's cells turning cancerous. Most of the donor's body does not contain the dangerous form of TP53, but up to 20% of his sperm do.
However, any children made from affected sperm will have the mutation in every cell of their body.
This is known as Li Fraumeni syndrome and comes with an up to 90% chance of developing cancer, particularly during childhood as well as breast cancer later in life.
The European Sperm Bank accepted these limits had unfortunately been breached in some countries and it was in dialogue with the authorities in Denmark and Belgium.
Prof Allan Pacey emphasized that making sperm completely safe is impossible, stating that the case raises critical questions about donor regulation.
Parents concerned about this situation are advised to reach out to the clinics they used for treatment.
