News

Man admits to fathering 22 children after advertising sperm on Facebook

Published

7 years ago

April 16, 2018

A UK man has confessed on a Facebook group to fathering 22 children after illegally advertising his sperm on the social media platform. According to him, he donates his sperm to women for free, without any charges involved.

He invites woman who are desperate for a baby to meet him at a roadside by his home near Glasgow where he hands over his ‘donation’ in a container for free.

The donor, using the pseudonym Anthony Fletcher, claims to have donated to more than 50 women who have travelled from across the UK in a bid to have a baby.

He describes himself as a 39-year-old university graduate of average height with blue eyes and brown hair.

But health experts have warned that his activities are ‘incredibly dangerous’.

Initially, Mr Fletcher noconsidered donating legally through a clinic however the right of any child produced to know their natural father’s identity when they turn 18, put him off.

Instead, he decided to advertise his sperm on Facebook.

However it is illegal in the UK to distribute or procure sperm and eggs without a licence from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).

Mr Fletcher posted on Facebook:

‘I’m an active and experienced sperm donorbased a few miles from Glasgow.

‘I’m still available to help more women get pregnant. I’m happy to donate to single women, same-sex couples, and women in heterosexual relationships.

‘Be sure to let me know your rough location, your age, your relationship status, and the donation method you’re looking for. I do NOT charge for donations.’

Dr Hana Visnova, a specialist in reproductive health and medical director at IVF Cube in Czech Republic, has warned of the dangers of donating sperm on the black market.

She said:

‘These tales of black market sperm donation are becoming more common.

‘People who are desperate for children but who are having difficulties and aren’t eligible for NHS care can become desperate.

‘But finding a donor online, knowing nothing about them and having no knowledge of their health or background, is incredibly dangerous. You’re not only putting yourself at risk, but also your potential offspring.

‘Clinics in the UK and abroad are tightly regulated to ensure the highest standards are met.

‘We are getting an increasing number of patients from the UK frustrated with NHS options and who cannot afford private treatment at home.’