A former gynecologist at a hospital in Arnhem, Netherlands, has fathered at least sixteen children using his own sperm. He is also a carrier of a hereditary condition, which he may have passed on to his offspring. This was revealed in an independent investigation commissioned by the hospital.
The gynecologist admitted at the end of 2024 that he used his own sperm for artificial insemination with donor material. This was one of the reasons the hospital decided to conduct an independent inquiry.
The retired doctor is now in his 80s. He worked from the early 1970s until the mid-1980s at Elisabeth Gasthuis, which later merged into Rijnstate.
Parents were unaware
In conversations with the investigation committee, the former gynecologist said he had used his own sperm “a number of times” when a scheduled donor failed to show up, and a woman would otherwise have missed her fertile cycle.
He did not inform the intended parents. There was also no formal donor registry. Records only noted “A.I.D.” (artificial insemination by donor), meaning anonymously.
The gynecologist told investigators that he has thirteen children with known names and birthdates. According to the hospital, the total now stands at at least sixteen donor-conceived children.
The hospital believes there is a high likelihood that the doctor has many more donor children. It has therefore issued a public call to parents who were treated by the gynecologist in the 1970s, 80s, or 90s, and to their children who suspect they may be his donor offspring.
Hereditary condition
Recently, the doctor participated in DNA testing, which will allow verification of whether any donor children who come forward are indeed his biological children.
The gynecologist also stated that he is a carrier of a hereditary condition. His donor-conceived children, now in their 30s and 40s, may also be carriers, as may their descendants. The hospital has not disclosed which condition is involved.
Hans Schoo, director of Rijnstate, said in an initial response: “We consider the doctor’s actions unacceptable, even taking the time period into account. Every child has the right to know their biological parent. Patients must be able to trust that a doctor follows agreements. In this case, many things went wrong. We are deeply concerned about what happened.”
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