London, December 10, 2025
Nearly 200 children across Europe were conceived using sperm from a donor carrying a previously undetected, inherited TP53 gene mutation linked to cancer, with usage spanning 67 fertility clinics in at least 14 countries since 2005. This discovery has raised urgent concerns over genetic screening and regulatory oversight in sperm donation practices.
Genetic Mutation and Scope of Impact
An inherited mutation in the TP53 gene, known to cause increased cancer risk, was found in sperm from a donor registered with the European Sperm Bank in Denmark. Approximately 20% of the donor’s sperm carried the mutation, passing it to offspring who then had every cell affected, substantially raising their chances of developing life-threatening cancers. To date, several children conceived from this donor’s sperm have been diagnosed with cancer, with some succumbing to the disease prematurely.
Cross-Border Fertility Clinics and Mutation Detection
The donor’s sperm was distributed widely, utilized by 67 fertility clinics across at least 14 European countries, including Belgium and Spain. The scale of conception—nearly 200 children—far exceeds national limits on the number of families using sperm from a single donor. Notably, this mutation had not been detected by standard genetic screening protocols, highlighting gaps in current donor health assessments.
Regulatory Failures and Donor Limits Exceeded
This case reveals serious deficiencies in tracking, reporting, and regulatory enforcement within European sperm donation practices. The UK’s donor limit, for example, permits sperm to be used by no more than 10 families, a threshold vastly surpassed by this single donor’s distribution across multiple countries. The absence of coordinated international oversight has allowed fertility tourism and fragmented clinic oversight to compound risks and complicate protective measures.
Health Outcomes and Ongoing Investigations
Families affected by this incident face distressing outcomes, with several children diagnosed with multiple cancers. Early deaths have been recorded, underscoring the devastating impact of the inherited mutation. In response, authorities across involved countries have launched investigations into the practices of fertility clinics and sperm banks, aiming to identify failures and prevent similar incidents.
The revelations from this case underscore the critical need for enhanced genetic screening protocols for donors, robust international donor tracking systems, and stronger cooperation between countries to safeguard recipients and offspring from inherited genetic risks. The fertility sector faces mounting pressure to reform practices to ensure patient safety and genetic health standards in assisted reproduction.