TORONTO — A Canadian couple is suing a U.S.-based sperm bank after allegedly learning that the donor they used through the company is a schizophrenic with a criminal record.
In a statement of claim filed in Georgia last week, Angela Collins and Margaret Elizabeth Hanson allege the company — Xytex Corp — told them their choice of donor was a healthy man with a master’s degree who was “among their best donors.”
The couple alleges they only accidentally learned the identity of their donor after their child was born, and through their own research realized that the man was a college dropout, had been arrested for burglary and had schizophrenia.
The couple’s lawyer says the case is significant because it attempts to provide accountability in the industry.
Xytex has issued a statement saying it “absolutely denies any assertion that it failed to comply with the highest standards for testing.”
The company also says it is reviewing and investigating the allegations.