DNA test revealed 27 half-siblings: “It opened new worlds”

That she was born from donated sperm was never a secret for Leontine Olsbjörk.
When she wanted to know more about her origin, a DNA test showed that she had at least 27 half siblings in several European countries.
“It opened new worlds,” she says in News Morning.

Leontine Olsbjörk has always known that she was born with the help of donated sperm. The thoughts of the whole truth about her origin have grown over time and after a DNA test it turned out that Leontine had 27 half siblings. At different ages and in different places, around Europe.

– I have grown up to think that I would not know anything. About my genetic background or what genetic relatives I have, she says in News Morning.

The message about the number of siblings surprised and aroused new thoughts.

– Shock of course. I have always known that I have half -siblings but suddenly they became real people.

“Feeling us cheated”

Already at the clinic in the 90s, Leontine’s mother was told would be twelve siblings in the Nordic countries, someone who is also the maximum number according to the rules in Denmark. However, it turned out to be significantly more than that, and in more places around Europe.

– We felt a little cheated that there were many more than they said, she explains.

– There is a demand for donated germ cells. It is above all the industry that should step up and make sure to follow the rules they say they have.

Critical to anonymous donation

Sweden was the first in the world to ban anonymous germ cell donations, so you can find out your genetic roots when you are 18 years of age. However, Leontine wants that information to be available earlier than that.

– I think it’s too late. I do not think you have an understanding of the children’s perspective, how big a thing it can be to make that decision when you are young to find out basic information about yourself and which even the closest genetic relatives are.

She also hopes that anonymous donations will be banned completely internationally in the future.

– To abolish completely anonymous donation, as it is still in Denmark. That children who come in that way not even as adults will be able to find out their genetic relatives.