Dutch sperm donor 'fathered 102 children' by donating at 11 different clinics

Under Dutch law sperm donors can father no more than 25 children. Photo / 123RF

A Dutch sperm donor is reported to have fathered 102 children after donating at 11 different clinics.

The authorities in the Netherlands have launched an investigation into the man whose identity has not been disclosed.

Under Dutch law sperm donors can father no more than 25 children. This is intended to minimise the risk of children later entering into a relationship with a half sibling.

Donors are required to enter into contracts pledging not to donate at different clinics, but this provision if frequently unenforced.

RTL reported that it had identified a second man who has donated sperm at more than one clinic.

The Dutch gynaecologists association, NVOG, has urged clinics to cease using the men's sperm immediately.

It said it found out about the two men after being tipped off by a group of single mothers. The association declined to provide further details.

In May the head of a Dutch fertility clinic was accused of using his own sperm rather that of donors to father around 60 children.

Jan Karbaat, who died aged 89 in April, ran one of Holland's largest sperm banks and billed himself as "a pioneer in the field of fertilisation".

Earlier this year a Dutch court was asked by 23 parents and children born through IVF treatment at the Bijdorp medical centre to carry out tests on Karbaat's DNA.

This article originally appeared on the Daily Telegraph.