A Dutch sperm donor known as Simon has admitted in a letter to parents that he fathered at least 199 children. According to Belga, 172 were born in the Netherlands, 15 in Germany, 11 in Belgium and one in another European country.

In Dutch fertility clinics, sperm from a single donor may be used for no more than 12 women. That limit does not apply to private arrangements outside clinics, which Simon appears to have used in most cases.

The 43-year-old admitted using several names, including Jesse, Johan and Daan, while donating sperm. He said he had stopped donating and would seek professional help.

The case has sparked controversy because the Dutch Health Ministry had known about his extensive donations since 2017 but took no action. In 2019, he even served on a committee evaluating the country’s sperm donation law on behalf of the government.

Belgium’s Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products is also investigating the case to determine whether he donated through official fertility clinics or informal networks.

(max)