A judge has exposed the troubling behaviour of a prolific sperm donor, Robert Charles Albon, known as Joe Donor, who has fathered approximately 180 children globally.
This disclosure comes as a caution against the perils of unregulated sperm donation. Jonathan Furness KC, serving as a deputy high court judge, named Albon in a written judgment, underscoring the public interest in revealing his identity to protect potential mothers from his manipulative tendencies.
Albon, an American residing in North-East England, sought parental rights over a child conceived with his donated sperm, even demanding the non-biological mother be referred to as “aunty.”
The court, however, dismissed his demands, identifying his motives as controlling rather than protective.
The legal proceedings led to a strained relationship between the child’s mothers, although they remain committed to co-parenting.
The case has brought significant emotional distress, particularly impacting the biological mother’s mental health.
Furness criticised Albon’s view of women and children as mere means to increase his progeny worldwide.
This case, first covered by the BBC and heard in Cardiff Family Court, highlights the severe risks associated with informal sperm donation.
Both mothers involved supported the decision to name Albon, emphasizing the need to alert others to these dangers.
Despite the ordeal, they consented to minimal contact from Albon through an annual letterbox communication, reserved for when the child is old enough to understand.
