NewsSperm theft scandal at Belgian university raises ethical storm

Sperm theft scandal at Belgian university raises ethical storm

In vitro fertilisation clinic

Images source: © Getty Images | Jonas Gratzer

25 April 2024 13:52

A Belgian non-profit organization, Donorkinderen, has uncovered sixteen instances where genetic material was illegally used for artificial insemination. This so-called "sperm theft," initially collected for scientific research, is allegedly linked to a doctor at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, with indications that the number of unsuspected fatherhood cases might rise.

The revelation, which has sent shockwaves through Belgium, was brought to light by Donorkinderen. It was found that a fertility doctor from Brussels, working on research for university hospitals, utilized the sperm of students—donated for scientific purposes—without their consent to impregnate patients undergoing infertility treatments.

According to reports by the "Neuwsblad" newspaper, one man, who in the 1970s had contributed to research under the professor’s guidance while studying in Brussels, learned he had fathered two children of which he did not know. His discovery came through a MyHeritage DNA commercial database test, a gift from his wife, revealing a significant match. Initially, he suspected it could be an unknown child from a past relationship, but another match led him to connect the dots back to his contributions during his university days.

Unwilling fatherhood scandal

The unfolding scandal of "unwilling fatherhood" was further highlighted when a biological son reached out to his donor after finding a match on the same database, suggesting a growing number of similar discoveries. Already, 16 cases are pointing back to the university and Professor VUB Robert Schoysman, known for his work in infertility treatment.

Individuals caught in this situation have sought assistance from Steph Raeymaekers of Donorkinderen. Raeymaekers notes, “The people we assist are concerned that we're only seeing the beginning, as some donors at Vrije Universiteit Brussel contributed sperm multiple times a month. They believed they were advancing science, though they were compensated for their contributions."

The late Schoysman was a forerunner in the field of in vitro fertilization and donor insemination in Belgium, known for successfully conceiving triplets using sperm from two different men among his achievements.

Donorkinderen is urging for an inquiry. "We're calling on the government to intervene, as scandals of this nature are becoming recurrent," states Raeymaekers.

Donorkinderen has also reached out to the university and the associated hospital where the late doctor worked, requesting their cooperation. "While we hope the number of affected individuals remains low, we're bracing for more cases to emerge," shared Raeymaekers.