A medical problem is happening in Europe. It started with a sperm donor from Denmark. His genetic material helped make many children. This happened for almost 20 years. Sadly, he had a big chance of getting cancer. This problem is with at least 197 children. They were born from this donor in many countries. It shows problems with how fertility clinics work. Families are now very sad and worried.
The donor was a student. He gave sperm to the European Sperm Bank. This was in 2005. For 17 years, his donations went to clinics. He did not know he had a gene change. This gene change is linked to a high risk of cancer. The gene change was only in some of his sperm. His body cells were okay.
This issue became clear in 2023. Broadcasters investigated. They found that some children tested had the gene change. Sadly, some of these children already had cancer. Some died very young. A cancer expert called it a bad situation.
The European Sperm Bank is being asked questions. They stopped using the donor in 2020. This was after a child got cancer. But he could donate again. Better tests in 2023 found the gene change. He was stopped from donating forever. This makes people ask if tests are good enough.
This problem is across Europe. Rules are different in different countries. This shows that rules for fertility treatments are not the same everywhere.
Families have a big challenge. Children with the gene change will need checks. They will always have the risk of getting sick. This case makes people talk. They want better tests for donors. They also want better ways to track donors. Health officials are contacting families. This case is a sad reminder.