Telegram CEO Pavel Durov offers free IVF to women interested in using his sperm
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has launched a unique initiative offering women free IVF using their sperm, aiming to help those who want to start a family.
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Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has launched an unexpected initiative that has nothing to do with messaging, but it may remind people of the Bollywood movie Vicky Donor, except for the comedy. In the film a young man unknowingly helps couples fulfill their dream of becoming parents through sperm donation. Durov’s offering is deliberate and structured, but it has the same heartfelt purpose: to help people who want to start a family.
Durov has teamed up with UltraVita, a top fertility clinic, to provide free IVF (in vitro fertilization) for women who choose to use his sperm. Not only is he donating, but he is also bearing the entire cost of the IVF process. UltraVita, which has the rights to exclusively store and use Durov’s biomaterial, highlights that this is a rare and generous offering. The clinic is promising each participant high-quality care from some of the best experts in reproductive health, using the latest technology to maximize success rates.
This process is straightforward but selective. Women interested in the program can contact UltraVita to set up an initial consultation, where a doctor will explain the IVF process and perform preliminary testing. To qualify, applicants must meet the clinic’s eligibility criteria, which include being under 37 years of age and in good health. Once approved, they will begin their IVF journey, with UltraVita’s dedicated team supporting them every step of the way.
Durov once talked about his journey with sperm donation in his Telegram channel, giving the initiative an even more unique background. “I was just told that I have over 100 biological children. How is this possible for a guy who has never married and likes to live alone?” He commented with his usual humor. He narrated how, 15 years ago, a close friend approached him and asked for sperm donation as he and his wife were unable to conceive. He recalls, “I started laughing before realizing he was being serious.” Eventually, he agreed, and the decision opened the door to huge influence.
Durov continued donating, encouraged by the clinic director who pointed out the lack of “high-quality donor material” and urged him to help more families. Fast forward to today, his charity has reportedly helped over a hundred families in 12 countries. “The lack of healthy sperm has become a serious issue around the world, and I’m proud to have played my part in helping to reduce it,” Durov explained.
Durov also expressed a desire to destigmatize sperm donation, seeing it as an important resource for families struggling to conceive. “Defy convention—redefine the norm!” The hope, he says, is that more healthy men will be inspired to consider donation.