Cancer Gene Found in Danish Sperm Donor Triggers Public Health Concern in Sweden

A Danish sperm donor known as "Kjeld" who donated sperm for 20 years fathered at least 197 children, including 22 born to 20 Swedish women who traveled abroad for treatment. In 2023, a dangerous cancer gene was discovered in his sperm, leading to the immediate cessation of his donations by fertility clinics. Several donor children have since been diagnosed with cancer, with some tragically dying from the disease, raising grave public health concerns.

The Danish Patient Safety Authority (STPS) has identified the affected Swedish families and urged Swedish health authorities to assist in warning them. However, the Swedish Socialstyrelsen confirmed that the sperm was not used in Swedish clinics, as women underwent treatment abroad. This complicates outreach efforts, as Swedish registries lack records of these foreign treatments. Health Minister Elisabet Lann (KD) acknowledged the difficulties, stating it is nearly impossible to contact affected women directly and advising them to reach out to the clinics where they received treatment.

Bente Møller, head of a unit at the Danish STPS, stressed the urgency, noting that some clinics have closed or gone bankrupt, which further hampers communication. She underscored that despite progress, it remains unacceptable that all affected women have not yet been informed about the cancer risk. This case highlights significant challenges in cross-border fertility treatment follow-up and health communication between Denmark and Sweden.