Dutch sperm donor admits to fathering at least 199 children

A 43-year-old Dutch sperm donor, identified as Simon, has admitted to fathering at least 199 children across several European countries. In a letter sent to a group of over 35 parents, he revealed that the true number far exceeds the 121 children previously known.

According to his own count, 172 children were born in the Netherlands, 15 in Germany, 11 in Belgium, and one in another unidentified European country. He also noted that one woman is currently pregnant following a donation. To bypass limits on the number of families using his genetic material, Simon reportedly used multiple aliases, including Jesse, Johan, Daan, Sam, and Maarten.

Investigations indicate that while he was registered with sperm banks, he also contacted prospective parents directly via the internet to conduct donations outside of specialized clinics. This practice made it difficult for authorities to track the scale of his donations. Some mothers have accused him of lying about the number of offspring and reported receiving messages of a sexual nature.

In Belgium, the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products has opened an investigation to determine if these donations occurred through fertility clinics or privately. Simon stated he has ceased all donation activities and intends to seek professional help, admitting, “I now know that I have seriously disappointed them.”