A gynecologist from the state of Indiana was one of the first to carry out the method of artificial insemination on women, but with his own sperm without the knowledge of the patients
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In 1979 in Indianapolis, United States, gynecologist-obstetrician Donald Klein opened an artificial insemination clinic. Patients who wanted to conceive were even directed from out of state to Klein's clinic after he had managed in a few years to build a very strong name in the industry, thanks to his "miracles". He performed in vitro fertilization on couples, artificial insemination on women with donor sperm and mainly as claimed by medical specialists he knew or worked in his clinic. During the procedure, Klein replaced the sperm cells with his own, but without the women's consent. But it took decades before his creepy secret was revealed.
How did the tangle unfold?
A few years ago the trend of 23andMe was famous, which provided consumers with a package to collect a saliva sample and then the individuals sent it to the company's headquarters for laboratory analysis which would prove after a few weeks the place of origin, genetic predispositions but even relatives who have carried out the same test. So, Jacoba Ballard, like many people especially in America, took this DNA test, her results showed that she had other half-siblings who made sure to get in direct contact with her. The brothers began to grow rapidly so suspicions were raised, which led to the discovery of the horrible truth. The brothers went from 7 to 94 (!).
The realization of the reality by the brothers and their families was difficult and painful. Fathers learned after 30 years that their children were not theirs biologically, mothers learned that they were not only victims of deception and exploitation but also of rape. Siblings when another person who was related to them came along took on the heavy task of informing about his actions gynecologist. The scariest thing is that not only did most of the siblings look quite similar to each other but some happened to be couples.
"I was rushed 15 times and I didn't even know it," says former Cline patient Liz White during her interview, a poignant counterpoint. "There was no consensus. He didn't give me a choice."
Although the number of brothers is 94 there is a good chance that it is much higher since Klein maintained his position at the clinic until 2009.
Why did Klein do all this?
The "father" presumably committed this crime as he was a faithful follower of an extremist Christian sect, which urged its members "to reproduce as productively as possible in order to respond to God's command to be fruitful and multiply as well as to install supporters in positions of power." This sect, named Quiverfull, allegedly cultivated the concept of the Aryan race, which advocated the spread of white individuals with blond hair and blue eyes. The gynecologist joined this sect after an event that stigmatized him, when he ran over and killed a little girl with his car. Other theories claim that he was doing an experiment and wanted to go down in history for it.
The case in court
At first, Donald Klein denied the charges, but when the investigations became more extensive and careful, he admitted that he used his own sperm without the consent of his patients. Until then there was no legislation that prohibited the use of the sperm of gynecologists themselves as donors to patients, therefore there was no prosecution against Klein.
It is worth noting that biological children suffer from autoimmune diseases, but Klein also suffered from arthritis, which expressly prohibits people from becoming donors.
Although the gynecologist could not be convicted of this crime which did not exist until then legally, he was convicted of obstructing investigations and justice but was not sentenced and simply paid a fine of 500$. But due to the persistence and patience of biological half-siblings, new related legislation was enacted in the state of Indiana in 2018, which prohibits this action by gynecologists.
To this day, Donald Klein has not been convicted of his horrific crime and lives free, without any consequence or burden on his conscience.
Our Father:
Netflix created a documentary in 2022, about this particular case called “Our Father”, which was based on the testimonies of the victims and the brothers, presenting the true aspect with possibly dramatized scenes.
