A sperm donor who fathered 15 children neglected to tell mothers that he has Fragile X syndrome, an inherited condition that causes learning disabilities and developmental delays.
The man identified as James MacDougall, 37, has been called by a UK Family Court judge for having taken advantage of the vulnerability of these women and their strong desire to have children.
MacDougall posted his services as a sperm donor on a social network for lesbian women looking to have children. Although her intention was only to help and not to obtain money, this route was not the most legal, as she knew that she could not “help” others through an established clinic because she has Fragile X syndrome.
In addition to this prior knowledge, the man would have signed an agreement with his clients in which he stated that he did not want any type of contact with the children. However, he later sought court orders to spend time with four of his 15 children, something three of the mothers have adamantly opposed.
The UK Family Court judge, identified as Derby, said the women were irresponsible in using MacDougall as a sperm donor without properly inquiring into his health history. In addition, the medical condition was mentioned in at least two of the legal agreements signed by them. However, these did not have an adequate explanation of the consequences and the terms in which it was written were not very understandable.
The three-page document with very little space in very legalistic language that is difficult to read even for a lawyer. Although the agreement refers to syndrome X, [MacDougall] took no steps to explain the condition to [las mujeres] or to make sure they understood. [Él] he took advantage of the vulnerability of these young women and their strong desire to have children.
This failure to take responsibility for their own condition, and apparent concern about the long-term impact on both mothers and potentially children, is one factor in concluding that [él] he should not have parental responsibility for the children nor should he continue to donate sperm.
On the other hand, the doctor of one of the minors has shown great concern for the development of the child, who at three years of age cannot speak and has “defiant behavior.”
Due to the consequences and irresponsibility of her actions, the judge decided to reveal MacDougall’s identity to prevent other women from falling for her tricks. The man was also denied the coexistence he had requested with the minors and was prohibited from seeking a court order to challenge his verdict for the next three years.