Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Offers to Fund IVF Using His Sperm

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has sparked widespread debate after publicly stating that he is willing to fund in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) for women who wish to conceive using his sperm. The announcement, shared through social media posts and interviews, quickly drew global attention for its unusual blend of personal choice, technology celebrity culture, and reproductive ethics.

Durov said his decision stems from a belief in individual freedom and a desire to support women who want to have children but face biological or financial barriers. He reportedly claimed to have already fathered multiple children through sperm donation and said he views his genetic contribution as a way to help address declining birth rates in several countries.

The offer, however, has triggered mixed reactions. Supporters argue that it highlights reproductive autonomy and removes financial hurdles associated with IVF, which can be prohibitively expensive. Critics, meanwhile, have raised ethical and social concerns, questioning the implications of a high-profile billionaire encouraging conception using his genetic material and the long-term responsibilities involved.

Medical experts have also cautioned that sperm donation is typically governed by strict regulations, including limits on the number of offspring per donor, to avoid genetic and social complications.

The episode underscores how influential tech figures increasingly shape conversations beyond business and technology—venturing into deeply personal and societal domains that provoke both fascination and controversy.