Overview
- Public broadcasters led by the BBC and the EBU traced the donor’s samples to 67 clinics in 14 countries, with births recorded from 2006 to 2023.
- Multiple children have inherited a TP53 mutation associated with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, with several pediatric cancers reported and some deaths confirmed.
- Genetic analyses indicate up to 20% of the donor’s sperm carried the mutation, which routine screening at the time did not detect in his body.
- The European Sperm Bank says it blocked the donor in 2023 after detecting the issue, has apologized to families, and backs EU-wide limits and standards.
- National tallies and actions are emerging, including Spain confirming 35 conceptions and 10 births, while Belgium and other countries exceeded domestic donor-use limits.