In Belgium, 53 children have been conceived via a sperm donor who carried a gene linked to causing cancer.
Earlier this week, it was reported that 51 children were conceived, but on Saturday, the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP) announced that a fertility clinic had reported five children were born through the donor, not three, involving four different women, which they find “very serious.”
The fertility clinic, whose name has not been disclosed, informed FAMHP on Friday that there were two additional children. Previously, on 28 May, the clinic confirmed that only two women had children, resulting in three births. This information was reaffirmed on Tuesday, but on Friday, the clinic revealed the details were incomplete.
The two newly identified women have been informed.
FAMHP inspectors have already conducted an on-site inspection, which is still ongoing.
Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke stated on Wednesday in the Chamber of Representatives that in Belgium, 53 children had been conceived, with two miscarriages reported. The children were born to 37 women, 14 of whom reside in Belgium. With the new information, this totals 55 pregnancies involving 39 women.
