全球精子库的「天花板」爆了大雷,上百个家庭陷入癌症噩梦
36氪·2025-12-21 02:08

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant scandal involving the European Sperm Bank in Denmark, where a donor unknowingly carried a rare and highly cancerous gene mutation, leading to health issues for numerous offspring. This incident raises questions about the regulatory framework surrounding assisted reproductive technologies and the trustworthiness of sperm banks globally [8][10][11]. Group 1: Incident Overview - The European Sperm Bank, a leading sperm bank in Denmark, has been a popular choice for families seeking donors based on aesthetic and health criteria [5][19]. - A recent investigation revealed that a donor, referred to as "Kjeld," carried a TP53 gene mutation linked to a high risk of cancer, affecting at least 197 children across 14 countries [9][10][11]. - As of now, 23 children have been confirmed to carry this mutation, with 10 diagnosed with cancer before the age of 15 [11]. Group 2: Regulatory and Ethical Concerns - The incident has prompted a reevaluation of the regulatory systems governing sperm banks, highlighting the need for stricter oversight in the assisted reproductive industry [11][40]. - The European Sperm Bank's screening process, which was previously considered rigorous, failed to detect the low-frequency mutation due to limitations in testing technology [31][41]. - The article emphasizes the ethical implications of sperm donation, including issues of identity, privacy, and the responsibilities of sperm banks to limit the number of families a single donor can assist [44][47]. Group 3: Market Implications - The European sperm market is projected to exceed £2 billion by 2033, with Danish sperm being widely used across Europe [19]. - The scandal has led to a trust crisis in sperm banks worldwide, prompting some to enhance their screening processes and reassure clients about the safety of their products [44][45]. - The global fertility services market is valued at over €45 billion, with an expected growth rate of 7% to 9% over the next decade, despite low regulatory standards [45].

全球精子库的「天花板」爆了大雷,上百个家庭陷入癌症噩梦 - Reportify