An investigation has revealed that a sperm donor unknowingly carrying a cancer-causing genetic mutation has fathered at least 197 children across Europe, with some children already having died from cancer. The European Sperm Bank, which sold the sperm, acknowledged that the sperm was used for too many pregnancies in some countries.

• At least 197 children were conceived using sperm from a donor with a mutation in the TP53 gene, leading to Li Fraumeni syndrome and an up to 90% chance of developing cancer.
• The investigation was conducted by 14 public service broadcasters, including the BBC, as part of the European Broadcasting Union’s Investigative Journalism Network.
• The donor’s sperm was used by 67 fertility clinics in 14 countries, with concerns raised about the lack of international limits on sperm donor usage.