Photo: YUICHI YAMAZAKI / AFP / Getty Images
A sperm donor carrying a rare genetic mutation linked to cancer has fathered nearly 200 children across Europe, leading to multiple childhood illnesses and early deaths. The donor, who was unaware of his condition, has a mutation in the TP53 gene, associated with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a disorder that significantly increases cancer risk. The European Sperm Bank (ESB) in Denmark distributed the donor's sperm to 67 clinics in 14 countries over 17 years.
The genetic mutation was first detected in 2020 when a child conceived with the donor's sperm was diagnosed with the condition. Despite initial negative test results, further testing in 2023 confirmed the mutation in some of the donor's sperm cells. This led to a permanent ban on the donor's samples and urgent notifications to affected families. However, many families were not informed promptly, leaving them to discover the risk through media reports.
The ESB expressed deep regret over the impact of the mutation and supports calls for stricter regulations on the number of children conceived from a single donor. Clare Turnbull, a professor of cancer genetics, described Li-Fraumeni syndrome as a devastating diagnosis, noting the high lifetime cancer risk it poses. The situation highlights the need for common European standards to prevent similar occurrences in the future.