Unregulated Sperm Donor Faces Court Warnings Yet Continues to Advertise

In a troubling revelation, a Guardian investigation has uncovered that a prolific unregulated sperm donor is continuing to promote his services, despite receiving stern warnings from family court judges. Robert Albon, who goes by the name "Joe Donor," has been involved in multiple court cases seeking access to his biological children, raising significant concerns for potential recipients of his donations.

Robert Albon, who claims to have fathered approximately 180 children globally, operates primarily through social media platforms. His self-identification as "Joe Donor" has drawn both attention and criticism, especially since he has appeared on popular television shows like This Morning and has been featured in a Channel 4 documentary. His reach extends beyond the UK, with alleged offspring in the United States, Australia, and various countries in South America.

Albon has made several attempts to gain court-ordered access to at least four of his children from different mothers in England and Wales. His requests have included custody of one child and the right to alter another child’s name. These actions have been met with strong opposition from the mothers involved, with one former partner describing the experience as "a nightmare and a horror story." Another woman expressed that her interactions with Albon had left her feeling "broken" and suicidal.

In a rare judicial intervention, a judge explicitly named Albon in 2023 to alert women to the potential risks associated with utilizing his services. This warning followed two family court hearings where the judges underscored the dangers of engaging with unregulated sperm donors like Albon.

Despite previously claiming to have ceased advertising his services, Albon has continued to promote himself online. His social media pages feature ads that read phrases like “Contact Joe now to get pregnant” and “Joe Donor same day baby batter delivery.” The Guardian's investigation revealed that he is still willing to sell his sperm through direct messages on Instagram. In a covert communication, a Guardian reporter posed as a potential recipient and found that Albon offered to travel to Leeds for sexual intercourse, charging £20 for travel expenses, or alternatively, he could "ship the sample" at a cost of £100.

Sperm donations that occur outside accredited clinics lack the legal protections typically afforded to regulated processes. In licensed facilities, donors are recorded in an anonymous register, which allows the child to access their donor's information only upon reaching the age of 18. This ensures a level of accountability and safety for the child, which is absent in unregulated transactions.

Albon’s quest for parental rights has faced multiple rejections in court. His most recent case involved an attempt to have his name included on the birth certificate of a child born in 2021 to a same-sex couple in Cardiff. Albon's request included seeking parental responsibility, scheduled time with the child—including overnight stays—and the ability to rename the child to a name of his choosing. The judge described these demands as "frankly absurd," noting that they were driven by a sense of ownership and a perceived entitlement that was outdated.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Albon had only met the child once for a brief ten-minute photo opportunity two years prior, illustrating his lack of a meaningful relationship with the child. The judge ultimately dismissed his requests, citing the "risk of harm" associated with granting Albon any parental rights.

The actions of Robert Albon raise significant ethical and legal concerns regarding unregulated sperm donation practices. Despite clear warnings from the judiciary and negative repercussions for the mothers involved, Albon persists in his efforts to promote his services. This situation underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations in the field of sperm donation to protect both donors and recipients, as well as the children born from such arrangements. As the legal battles continue, it remains crucial for potential recipients to be informed of the risks associated with unregulated donors.