Disturbing, overwhelming and twisted are perhaps the words that come closest to this story, told through a dramatic version of real events caused by a fertility doctor who was not only at the center of this scandal — he performed artificial insemination — but was also considered an authority in his field.
What is Netflix’s “Our Father” documentary about and why does it matter?
This Netflix original documentary exposes the chilling true story of Dr. Donald Cline, a renowned fertility specialist who used his own sperm to impregnate dozens of women in a small Indiana town, USA. Through testimonies from those affected, home DNA tests, and investigative journalism, it reveals how ethical breaches can shatter identities, trust and well-being.
Watching “Our Father” helps women and couples understand the importance of a regulated, transparent process with informed consent in assisted reproduction. It also underscores why you should always seek professional guidance: avoid self-medication without medical consultation and before undergoing any treatment, consult a specialist in assisted reproduction to increase your chances of success.
How were these unethical artificial insemination practices carried out?
Between the early ’70s and mid-’80s, Dr. Cline performed artificial inseminations using fresh sperm — instead of frozen — ensuring higher success rates. He deceived his patients by claiming the samples came from medical residents or their partners. The lack of DNA tests (available until 1985) allowed him to act undetected for years.
Patients provided 2–5 mL of semen from their partner or, as he claimed, donor samples. Cline skipped any screening or quarantine protocols, leaving many women unknowingly raising their own biological children and bearing decades of emotional trauma.
What risks does artificial insemination involve and how can you protect yourself?
Artificial insemination is a low-complexity method that places sperm directly into the uterus via a catheter during ovulation. Properly performed, it is safe. But if protocols are not followed, risks increase: infections, genetic mismatches, emotional stress and, as “Our Father” shows, profound identity crises.
To minimize risks:
- Verify that the clinic applies cryopreservation standards when handling frozen sperm.
- Ensure fresh sample labeling and chain of custody are double- or triple-checked.
- Confirm that donors have medical histories, blood tests and a quarantine of at least 6 months for infectious diseases (HIV, hepatitis B, etc.).
What quality standards does Ingenes follow in sperm handling?
At Ingenes we guarantee strict protocols for fresh and frozen samples:
- Fresh: no cryopreservation; handling under double/triple control and security measures to prevent mix-ups.
- Frozen: full cryopreservation with donor screening, 6-month quarantine and PCR/serology tests.
Our commitment is your safety and peace of mind. We also invite you to watch “Joy,” Netflix’s new film celebrating the first IVF baby and showing how assisted reproduction has evolved.
What lessons does the documentary teach about ethics in fertility treatments?
“Our Father” highlights the importance of transparency, informed consent and regulatory oversight in reproductive medicine. It warns of the danger of power abuse without checks and emphasizes that trusting your specialist means verifying credentials, protocols and patient rights.
In the end, it calls on patients and professionals to uphold ethical standards, patient autonomy and compassionate care at every step toward building a family.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can DNA testing prevent unethical practices?
Yes. Modern DNA tests (home kits or clinical paternity analyses) quickly confirm biological relationships. Clinics use genetic profiles to correctly match donors and recipients. However, these tests are retrospective: they detect issues after they occur. That’s why initial transparency, documented consent and strict chain of custody remain essential.
Genetic genealogy services like 23andMe or AncestryDNA can reveal unexpected matches. If you suspect any discrepancies, request a laboratory paternity test (99.9% accuracy) and consult a reproductive medicine specialist.
2. What questions should I ask my clinic about insemination protocols?
Before treatment, ask:
- How is sperm collected, labeled and stored?
- What screening and quarantine measures are applied to donors?
- Who will handle my sample and what controls exist to prevent errors?
Also clarify success rates, possible side effects and emotional support services. A trustworthy clinic will provide clear written answers and even offer lab visits or accreditation certificates for review.
3. Are fresh or frozen samples better?
Fresh sperm typically has higher motility and viability, improving fertilization chances. Volumes of 2–5 mL with ≥15 million sperm/mL are used. However, frozen sperm allows more thorough screenings and reduces the risk of infectious diseases.
The choice depends on donor availability, timing and your safety priorities. Consult your specialist to decide whether fresh or frozen is best based on your medical history and treatment plan.
4. How can I prepare emotionally for assisted reproduction?
Emotional health is as important as physical health. You can benefit from:
- Attending therapy or support groups for fertility patients.
- Setting realistic expectations about timing and success rates.
- Communicating openly and honestly with your partner, friends or family.
Many clinics include psychological support services. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help to manage stress, anxiety or grief that may arise during the process.
References
- National Library of Medicine. (2021). Artificial insemination: Indications, techniques and outcomes. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007293.htm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). https://doi.org/10.15620/cdc:85461
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2019). Guidelines on gamete donation and embryo transfer. Fertility and Sterility, 112(6), 1105–1115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.03.010
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. (2022). Good laboratory practice in ART: Sperm handling. Human Reproduction Open, 2022(4), hoac045. https://doi.org/10.1093/hropen/hoac045
Remember: every story is unique and your well-being comes first. If you are considering fertility treatment, always seek guidance from a specialist in assisted reproduction. You are not alone on this journey; professionals are here to guide and support you.