A sperm donor who did not reveal that he suffered from an “inheritable” medical condition has been criticised by a High Court judge. Mrs Justice Lieven said James MacDougall, who suffers from suffers from Fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition which causes learning difficulties, acted irresponsibly.
The judge has outlined her concerns after considering issues relating to children Mr MacDougall had fathered, by three women. She has named 37-year-old Mr MacDougal, who acted as a sperm donor through private arrangements, in a written ruling published online.
At a family court hearing in Derby, the judge said publishing Mr MacDougal’s name was an “unusual step”. She said the normal approach in family courts was to “anonymise” parents so the identity of children was protected.
