Some men are fathering hundreds of children worldwide through sperm donation, raising growing ethical and medical concerns. A recent BBC investigation revealed a troubling case involving a donor whose sperm carried genetic mutations linked to an increased risk of cancer and brain tumors in children conceived from his donations.
The donor’s sperm was reportedly distributed to fertility clinics in 14 countries, resulting in the birth of 197 children. The case has reignited debate over regulation, genetic screening, and limits on the number of children a single donor can father.
A Growing Path to Parenthood
Sperm donation has become a widely used option for women seeking to conceive, including:
- Women facing fertility challenges
- Single women choosing to become mothers
- Same-sex couples
- Women who want children without entering heterosexual relationships
As social norms evolve, demand for donor sperm continues to rise.
A Billion-Dollar Industry
By 2033, Europe’s sperm donation market is projected to be worth nearly $2 billion, according to industry estimates. Denmark has emerged as the world’s leading exporter of donor sperm, supplying clinics across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Why “Viking Sperm” Is in High Demand
Often nicknamed “Viking sperm,” Danish donor sperm is popular because of:
- Rigorous donor screening
- Extensive genetic and medical testing
- Consistent sperm quality
But the system has a downside: a small pool of qualified donors means sperm from a single man may be used repeatedly, sometimes across multiple countries.
The Harsh Reality for Donors
Becoming a sperm donor isn’t easy. Medical data shows that:
- Out of 100 men who apply to donate sperm,
- Fewer than five meet the strict medical standards.
To qualify, sperm must be plentiful, highly motile, and capable of surviving freezing and long-term storage. These requirements explain why a small number of donors account for such a large number of births worldwide.
How Sperm Donors Are Fathering Hundreds of Children Worldwide
A growing number of men are fathering hundreds of children through sperm donation, prompting renewed scrutiny of fertility practices and regulation. A recent BBC report highlighted a case in which a donor’s sperm was found to carry genetic mutations that may increase the risk of cancer or brain tumours in children conceived using his donations.
According to the report, the donor’s sperm was supplied to clinics in 14 countries, leading to the birth of 197 children. The revelations have intensified debate over safety standards and donor limits within the international fertility industry.
An Increasingly Common Route to Parenthood
Sperm donation is widely used to help women conceive, particularly those who:
- Are struggling with infertility
- Wish to have children outside marriage
- Are in same-sex relationships
- Prefer to become mothers independently
Demand for donor sperm has risen steadily across Europe.
Denmark at the Centre of a Growing Market
The European sperm donation market is expected to be worth around $2 billion by 2033. Denmark has become the world’s largest supplier of donor sperm, exporting to fertility clinics across the globe.
The Appeal of “Viking Sperm”
Danish sperm, often dubbed “Viking sperm,” is highly sought after due to:
- Strict donor selection criteria
- Comprehensive health and genetic screening
- High clinical success rates
However, the limited number of eligible donors means that sperm from a single individual may be used extensively, sometimes resulting in dozens or even hundreds of children.
Few Men Meet the Criteria
Despite high demand, very few men qualify as sperm donors. Studies suggest that:
- Out of every 100 men who apply,
- Fewer than five pass all required tests.
Donor sperm must be of high quality, show strong motility, and survive freezing without degradation—standards that most applicants fail to meet.




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