With more people seeking genetic testing, the New York Times reports that more instances in which the wrong donor sperm was used to conceive children decades back are coming to light. This, it adds, highlights the light regulation of sperm banks and fertility clinics.
It recounts cases in which the adult children of women who had undergone artificial insemination about 20 years ago took genetic tests that revealed that their sperm donor wasn't who he was supposed to be. "I didn't choose someone who has a history of brain cancer in the family. I would never have chosen this donor," one mother tells the Times.
The Times notes there is little legal recourse for people who are sold the wrong sperm or who had a sperm mix-up. It says that they would have to sue for wrongful birth, but unless there was a medical issue, there is no injury. But, the Times notes that there are some efforts afoot to increase regulation of clinics and offer protections to families that rely on them.