Sperm from 121 donors used more often than legally allowed in Belgium

Belgium’s fertility system has identified 121 cases in which sperm from the same donor was used for more than the legally permitted six families. The figure comes from data held by the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products, known as FAGG, and was reported by Het Laatste Nieuws.

The number is still rising. FAGG recorded 31 additional cases this year alone. More than 10 donors on the list are linked to more than 20 children born in Belgium.

The agency has tracked the figures in a database for the past two years. It has also stepped up inspections and combined older information after earlier scandals involving sperm donors. Fertility centres have submitted new notifications as well.

Belgium’s six-family limit is intended to prevent large groups of half-brothers and half-sisters from forming. Such a concentration could create a risk that people later enter relationships without knowing they are related. The limit also seeks to contain the possible effects if a donor is later found to have a genetic problem.