Serious Concern: Dozens Born via Sperm Donation May Carry Cancer-Linked Mutation

The Israeli Ministry of Health has issued an urgent public call amid concerns that individuals born through sperm donations at private fertility clinics during the 1970s and 1980s may carry a rare genetic mutation that significantly increases the risk of developing cancer.

According to the ministry, the case was brought to light after the death of a sperm donor whose family reported that he had suffered from Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition known to increase the risk of various cancers, including colorectal, uterine, ovarian, stomach, and others. The donor had provided sperm between 1974 and 1985, before regulated sperm banks were established in Israel. While the total number of offspring is unknown, estimates suggest it may range from dozens to over one hundred.

Children conceived using sperm donations from private clinics in central Israel during those years are now being urged to undergo genetic testing. The Ministry emphasized that individuals do not need a referral to get tested and can approach any of the ten designated genetic institutes nationwide. The test, which is not covered by the national health basket, costs 633 shekels. Those who test positive for the mutation will be eligible for full medical monitoring and early detection programs funded by the health system.

The ministry warned that there is a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation. It encourages families who received sperm donations in that era to inform their children, even if they had previously kept the donation a secret, so they can be tested and monitored accordingly. Early detection can significantly reduce health risks and potentially save lives.

This case adds to a growing number of international incidents in which sperm donors were later found to carry dangerous genetic mutations. In one recent example presented at a European genetics conference, a sperm donor was found to have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a severe genetic condition linked to a high risk of early-life cancers. That donor reportedly fathered at least 67 children across multiple countries, with several already diagnosed with cancer and many more identified as carriers.

The Israeli Ministry of Health reiterated its commitment to transparency and prevention, urging affected individuals to act quickly to protect their health and the health of future generations.