Telegram founder and billionaire entrepreneur Pavel Durov has sparked global debate after announcing that he is willing to fully fund in vitro fertilization treatment for women under the age of 38 who wish to conceive using his sperm. The announcement has generated widespread reactions across social media medical circles and ethical forums.
Durov who is estimated to be worth about seventeen billion dollars revealed that he has fathered over one hundred children through sperm donation in addition to six children from previous relationships. According to him the decision to donate began in 2010 when he helped a close friend struggling with infertility.
He explained that fertility specialists later encouraged him to continue donating due to what they described as a shortage of healthy donor material. Over time his donations reportedly helped women and couples in more than twelve countries conceive children.
Durov described his actions as a civic duty aimed at addressing declining sperm counts globally. He linked the trend to environmental pollution including plastic exposure and lifestyle factors. He also said his goal is to reduce stigma around sperm donation and reproductive health.
Under the reported arrangement women who qualify can access his stored samples at a Moscow fertility clinic with the cost of IVF fully covered. Strict legal and medical screening applies and eligibility is reportedly limited to unmarried women under thirty eight.
In interviews Durov stated that he makes no distinction between children conceived naturally and those conceived through donation. He said all his biological children will have equal inheritance rights once DNA confirmation is established.
The announcement has divided opinion globally. Supporters describe it as an innovative and generous approach to addressing fertility challenges. Critics however have raised ethical legal and psychological concerns including questions about identity inheritance and the long term implications for children.
Medical experts stress that while sperm donation is a legitimate practice transparency counseling and legal clarity are essential. They note that large scale donation by a single individual raises complex ethical considerations.
Despite the debate Durov says he remains committed to supporting reproductive choice and plans to make his DNA information accessible in the future so his biological children can connect if they choose.
