Netflix doc ‘Man with 1000 Kids’ may urge women to use unofficial donors, expert warns

A fertility expert is expressing concerns that the new Netflix documentary The Man With 1000 Kids could motivate “desperate” women to seek unofficial sperm donors like Jonathan Jacob Meijer.

Claire Morrison conveyed to The Independent that the documentary may enlighten women about the availability of sperm donors through unofficial and possibly unsafe methods, particularly through social media, as fertility treatments remain financially burdensome.

Meijer, 43, who claims to have fathered 550 children, is featured in the documentary which explores the efforts of those affected by his donations to stop him from continuing.

The documentary outlines a 2023 ban that would fine Meijer €100,000 if he donates again. Nonetheless, he stated to The Independent that he ceased donating voluntarily in 2019.

Morrison, a fertility mentor, noted a substantial increase in women seeking unofficial donors, a trend possibly exacerbated by rising living costs.

She remarked, “While many women and families may be deterred by the documentary, I can also foresee a scenario where vulnerable women, desperate for a child, learn about these dubious methods.”

The London Sperm Bank charges £1,250 for a single vial of sperm. The documentary reveals that numerous men offer insemination services for free, often suggesting natural insemination (NI) methods, claiming these increase the chances of conception.

Although Morrison has not encountered women directly connected with Meijer, his actions have raised concerns among those who have opted for less formal donor routes.

“Several women I know, who have obtained sperm through less formal means, are now questioning their donors’ intentions and are concerned about unknown siblings their children may have,” she shared.

“This is indeed a worrying situation. Typically, by the stage a woman is researching donors, she has likely faced significant distress, including infertility and miscarriages, and could be willing to try anything.

“Her sole wish is to have a child, and she might not consider asking deeper questions,” Morrison added.

Morrison has provided advice for potential sperm donor users, emphasizing the benefits of official sperm banks.

She told The Independent: “Despite the documentary showing that mass donors can find ways around rules, sperm banks enforce strict guidelines on the number of children each donor can father, which offers some assurance about the potential number of half-siblings.”

However, Morrison acknowledged the high costs involved and suggested precautions for those considering unofficial donors as shown in The Man With 1000 Kids.

“Be cautious of anyone suggesting natural insemination,” she advised. “This is a major red flag, indicating exploitation of vulnerability.”

Additionally, Morrison recommended asking acquaintances if they could donate, emphasizing that they might consent.

She urged meeting potential donors in person with support, stressing the importance of assessing their character and requesting STI tests.

“Ask about any children they might have, their donation history, and their future plans. Although they might not be truthful, don’t shy away from asking,” she added.

With the biological clock ticking for many women, she highlighted the importance of making a careful decision about choosing a donor.

“Ask if he intends to be part of the baby’s life in the future and proceed only if you’re comfortable with his response. Also, inquire if he is open to helping conceive siblings,” Morrison suggested.

She also emphasized understanding the legalities surrounding donor usage in one’s country and the parental rights involved, as well as probing a donor’s motivations.

Sex expert Isabelle Uren of BedBible shared with The Independent her belief that serial sperm donors like Meijer might be driven by a quest for power.

“Kinks and fetishes often involve sexual arousal and gratification, but this case appears to be driven by power and an ego-driven desire to pass on genetics to numerous children, proving virility,” she said.

Meijer, accused of fathering up to 3,000 children, told The Independent he consciously chose to stop donating and is relieved to be done with it.

“I have my freedom back,” he stated, explaining that years spent being a donor, including traveling and frequenting restrooms for the process, had become tiresome.

The Independent has contacted Netflix for comments.