Sperm Donor Reports Surge in Requests from Benefit Claimants After Policy Change
A sperm donor, widely known as Donor Dan, has revealed that he is experiencing a significant increase in requests from mothers receiving Department for Work and Pensions benefits. This surge follows the recent lifting of the two-child benefit cap by the Labour government, a policy change that has sparked controversy and debate across the United Kingdom.
Donor Dan's Experience and Background
The donor, whose real name is Daniel Bayen, is a 25-year-old influencer who has already facilitated the conception of 20 children worldwide through his sperm donations. He claims that he can receive up to £25,000 for a single batch of his sperm, highlighting the lucrative nature of his donations in certain cases.
Daniel explained to the Sun newspaper that many women in the UK are actively seeking open donors due to the welfare benefits available when they have children. "I am always very careful, and I always charge a fee to make sure I do not run into those women," he stated, emphasizing his cautious approach to potential recipients.
Impact of the Two-Child Cap Removal
According to Daniel, the removal of the two-child benefit cap has directly led to a rise in enquiries from jobless mothers who are now searching online for fertile donors. He noted that some donors in the UK have observed that as the number of children eligible for benefits has increased, women who previously relied on benefits for their first two children are now deciding to expand their families further.
Daniel expressed concerns about the motivations behind some of these requests, saying, "The families that do it for welfare benefits often have physical and mental health issues and tend to cause drama and problems." To mitigate risks, he charges between $1,000 and $2,000 on average for expenses, viewing an inability to afford this amount as a red flag.
Donor's Ethical Standards and Network
Daniel maintains a strict ethical framework in his donations, refusing to work with individuals involved in criminal activities or drug addiction. "I have a responsibility, not just towards the children I conceive, but also to the women I help," he asserted, underscoring his commitment to a healthy network of recipients.
To date, he has assisted 18 families, resulting in five born children, six embryos, and several ongoing pregnancies, including twins, totaling an expected 20 children. His UK recipients are spread across locations such as London, Leeds, Oxfordshire, Eastbourne, Bournemouth, and Manchester, with some maintaining contact through WhatsApp and updates.
Media Attention and Future Projects
The donor's activities have attracted media interest, with a BBC crew recently accompanying him on visits to families in Eastbourne and Bournemouth. A documentary about his work is anticipated to be released in the coming weeks, potentially shedding more light on the complexities of sperm donation in the context of welfare policies.
In addition to his personal donations, Daniel founded the Open Donor Association, a nonprofit organization last year. He reports that approximately 800 recipients have already signed up, indicating a growing demand and community around open donor arrangements.
This situation highlights the intersection of reproductive choices, economic incentives, and social policy, raising questions about the implications of benefit changes on family planning decisions in the UK.
