Sperm Bank Controversy: Cancer-Linked Genes Sold Across Europe

In 2023, a prolific sperm donor identified as donor 7069 from the European Sperm Bank (ESB) was found to carry a genetic mutation in the TP53 gene, which is linked to a heightened risk of childhood cancers.

The mutation was not disclosed to many families, prompting an investigation by Deutsche Welle and various European public broadcasters. Following the discovery, the ESB permanently banned donor 7069 in October 2023 after being informed about the mutation.

The investigation revealed that sperm from donor 7069 had been sold across at least 14 countries, resulting in at least 197 children conceived with his sperm, though the total number may be higher. Many parents were never informed of the potential risks associated with the mutation.

For example, a mother from Belgium received a call in June 2023 from the head of a fertility department informing her that her daughter had a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation. Unfortunately, the ESB had initially lost her contact details during a computer system migration, leading to a significant delay in communication.

Reports indicated that some children conceived with donor 7069's sperm had developed cancers, and others had died. The ESB's legal obligation to inform fertility clinics about genetic abnormalities has come under scrutiny, as multiple families reported never having been officially informed about the risks.

Experts stress the importance of early cancer detection, and some families only learned about the mutation through media reports. The ESB has generated significant profits, amounting to over 60 million Danish kroners in 2023, by selling donor sperm, and has been criticized for not including rare genetic mutations like TP53 in their routine testing protocols.

Calls for stricter regulations, including a global cap on the number of children per donor and a centralized donor registry, have arisen in response to this controversy. The case has raised ethical concerns regarding the fertility industry, genetic screening, and the implications for families using donor sperm.

The ESB expressed sympathy for the affected families but acknowledged that reporting issues and inadequate systems contributed to the situation. The case highlights the urgent need for improved genetic screening protocols in the fertility industry.