Artist gives away 'super donor' sperm

Washington: For a few very grateful women, the search for one of America's hottest commodities, the sperm supplied by an anonymous "super donor'', has ended happily, after a Californian artist gave away 17 vials.

Women across the United States had almost given up hope of securing further supplies from Donor 401, whose blue eyes, sporty physique and academic background made him the ideal biological father.

After helping to create at least 25 children, he made his last deposit two years ago, since when stocks have run out.

That was until Melissa Weiss, who had tried for a baby herself without success, watched a television programme about his phenomenal popularity and realised that she had an entire batch of unused 401 samples.

The 17 vials cost her almost $3,000, but she insisted on giving them to existing "401 mums'' who wanted more children by the same donor father.

There seems little doubt that, had she chosen, she could have sold the samples for many times the purchase price.

'Thrilled'

"The women were asking me how much money I wanted, but I'm just thrilled to be able to help,'' said Weiss, "I'm sure they would have done the same for me.''

She purchased 24 vials when trying to have a baby and used seven samples, but put the others in storage after failing to conceive.

The detailed profile provided by the anonymous donor helps to explain his allure, he has German roots, blue eyes and brown wavy hair and stands 6ft4in tall. He was an active sportsman, studied for a doctorate and, perhaps crucially, described his close relationship with his mother.

The "401 mums'' initially made contact online to swap notes on their children's health and also to provide an extended family of half-siblings.

The anonymity of donors is guaranteed in legal agreements by the clinics, but given the media furore it is almost certain that 401 is aware that his is a premium product.

Several of the mothers said that although they were curious about the father of their children, they respected his right to privacy and would bitterly oppose any efforts to unmask him.