A judge at Cardiff Crown Court has raised serious concerns about the unregulated private sperm donation market, particularly in light of a case involving Robert Charles Albon, who claims to have fathered over 180 children.

In a rare move, a family court judge publicly named Albon to protect women considering his services, emphasizing the need to safeguard vulnerable individuals from unregulated sperm donors.

Judge Furness highlighted Albon's ongoing intentions to donate sperm as a significant risk, stressing the importance of protecting potential recipients.

The lengthy legal battle, which spanned over two years, strained the relationship of the couple involved and negatively impacted the biological mother's mental health, resulting in increased anxiety and emotional distress.

Despite the couple's efforts to limit contact, they agreed to allow Albon to send one annual email or card to the child, to be kept until the child is old enough to understand.

Albon, an American living in the north-east of England, sought parental rights over a child conceived by a same-sex couple, claiming he had conceived the child through sexual intercourse, a claim dismissed by the judge.

The court revealed that Albon had only met the child's parents briefly for a single photo session, classifying him as a 'stranger' to the child, which led to the rejection of his demands for parental responsibility.

Judge Furness criticized Albon's motives, stating his actions were more about controlling the situation than protecting the child's welfare, and labeled him as someone who treats women and children as commodities.

Both mothers described their experience with Albon as a 'nightmare', advocating for greater public awareness about the risks associated with unregulated sperm donation.

In contrast to Albon's unregulated practices, licensed sperm donation clinics in the UK are strictly regulated, allowing a maximum of 10 families per donor and ensuring health checks and legal protections.

Albon promotes his sperm donation services on social media under the pseudonym 'Joe Donor', reaching prospective mothers in various countries, including the USA and Australia.

Albon's legal actions have been linked to his immigration status in the UK, as he faces potential arrest in the US for failing to pay child support.