31.08.2026 06:50
Dutch sperm donor "Simon" revealed in a letter sent to families that he is the biological father of at least 199 children through his donations. The 43-year-old donor stated that 172 of the children were born in the Netherlands, 11 in Belgium, 15 in Germany, and one in another European country, and admitted that he had not been transparent enough in the past. Belgian authorities have launched an investigation into the matter.
Belgian authorities have launched an investigation into the activities of a 43-year-old Dutch sperm donor who has stated he is the biological father of at least 199 children, 11 of them in the country.
It emerged in the program "Nieuwsuur", a joint production of Dutch public broadcasters NOS and NTR, that the sperm donor, identified as "Simon", is the biological father of a large number of children.
IT WAS STATED THAT THE ACTUAL NUMBER COULD BE HIGHER
In the program, it was first stated that Simon was the biological father of 121 children, but that the actual number could be higher than this.
It was reported that Simon donated to various sperm banks, but carried out a significant portion of his activities outside of clinics. It was stated that the donor communicated over the internet with individuals seeking to have children.
IT WAS CLAIMED THAT HE USED DIFFERENT NAMES
It was alleged that Simon used different names in order to conceal his real identity while making his donations. It was stated that the 43-year-old donor communicated with individuals wishing to have children under names such as "Jesse", "Johan", "Daan", "Sam", and "Maarten".
Some women who participated in the program also claimed that Simon did not provide them with accurate information regarding the number of children born as a result of his donations.
ALLEGATION THAT THE MINISTRY HAS KNOWN SINCE 2017
Another notable claim in the program concerned the Dutch Ministry of Health. It was alleged that the Ministry had been aware since August 2017 that Simon had donated sperm to a large number of people, but that no action was taken at that time.
SENT A LETTER TO FAMILIES: AT LEAST 199 CHILDREN
Following the program, Simon sent a letter to the families of the children, disclosing the number of children born as a result of his sperm donations. Simon reported that he is the biological father of at least 199 children as a result of his donations.
According to the information provided by the donor, 172 of the children were born in the Netherlands, 11 in Belgium, 15 in Germany, and one in another European country.
HE ADMITTED TO NOT BEING SUFFICIENTLY TRANSPARENT
Simon also admitted that he had not been sufficiently transparent in the past regarding the scope of his sperm donations. Stating that, for this reason, families had an incomplete or inaccurate picture, Simon argued that he thought he was helping people, but later realized the consequences of his actions.
HE HAS STOPPED SPERM DONATIONS
Simon announced that he has now stopped all sperm donations. Stating that he wants to manage the coming period with the interests of the children in mind, the Dutch donor expressed his intention to seek professional support for this.
BELGIUM TAKES ACTION
Following the allegations that emerged, the Belgian Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP) launched an investigation. Belgian authorities will investigate whether the Dutch donor donated sperm at fertility clinics in the country or outside the official system.
THE LIMIT IN BELGIUM IS 6 FAMILIES
According to regulations in Belgium, donations from one sperm donor are permitted to be used by a maximum of 6 families.
Following Simon's own statement that 11 children were born in Belgium as a result of sperm donations, the outcome of the investigation initiated by the authorities is awaited.