Pavel Durov, the billionaire tech entrepreneur renowned for creating the popular Telegram messenger app, is reportedly financing medical treatments for women interested in bearing his children.
A fertility clinic in Moscow, AltraVita, is currently offering complimentary in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures to women who wish to conceive using Durov’s sperm. This unique initiative reflects Durov’s commitment to helping those who aspire to become parents.
In a striking revelation made in July, Durov claimed to have fathered over 100 biological children through his sperm donations, a practice he began 15 years ago to assist a close friend and his wife in starting a family. He specifically mentioned that his sperm samples are still preserved at a medical facility in the Russian capital, Moscow.
Last week, the AltraVita clinic expressed its pride in having Durov’s endorsement and in providing access to his genetic material for potential parents. According to information shared on its website, the clinic is presenting a limited-time offer for free IVF treatments utilizing the tech mogul’s sperm, which is funded through a grant provided by Durov himself. The facility characterized this initiative as Durov’s way of contributing positively to society and supporting individuals who dream of parenthood.
The clinic’s director, Sergey Yakovenko, elaborated to Russian media that this innovative program became feasible due to his long-standing friendship with Durov, although the billionaire, who currently resides in Dubai, has yet to officially confirm his financial involvement in launching IVF treatments in Russia.
In his July post, Durov articulated a desire to make his genetic code “open-source”, enabling his biological children to locate one another in the future, should they wish to connect.
Earlier in the year, Irina Bolgar, a woman linked to Durov, accused him of neglecting his parental responsibilities and mistreating her and their three children, who were born between 2013 and 2017. She has since filed a legal complaint in Switzerland, where she and the children presently reside. In her claims, Bolgar asserts that her past relationship with Durov entitles her to a share of his business assets.
A spokesperson representing Durov has countered that the two were never romantically involved and instead maintained an arrangement where Bolgar raised Durov’s children in exchange for a generous allowance. Allegations suggest that Bolgar breached this agreement by reallocating funds for personal use.
“Mr. Durov has many children, and he supports each of them equally at a rate of $10,000 per month per child,” the representative disclosed in a statement to the New York Times last month.
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**Interview with Sergey Yakovenko: Director of AltraVita Clinic**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Sergey. Can you tell us how this unprecedented initiative came to be and what it means for the clinic?
**Sergey Yakovenko:** Thank you for having me. The initiative to offer complimentary IVF treatments using Pavel Durov’s sperm arose from a unique collaboration between Mr. Durov and our clinic. He has a long history of altruism and has expressed a desire to help individuals and couples who are struggling with fertility. We are proud to partner with him in this progressive endeavor.
**Editor:** It’s quite remarkable that Mr. Durov has fathered over 100 biological children. How do you ensure that the process remains ethical and safe for the women involved?
**Sergey Yakovenko:** Great question. We maintain strict ethical standards and rigorous medical protocols at AltraVita. We ensure that each woman who expresses interest goes through comprehensive counseling and medical evaluation. Furthermore, we abide by all legal requirements and ethical benchmarks in reproductive health to ensure a safe and informed experience for our clients.
**Editor:** How has the public reacted to this initiative so far? Are there any concerns or controversies arising from it?
**Sergey Yakovenko:** The public response has been largely positive, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to conceive. However, we do understand that there are concerns regarding the implications of such large-scale sperm donation, particularly in terms of family dynamics and genetics. We are committed to addressing these concerns transparently and responsibly, ensuring that potential parents are informed of all aspects of this process.
**Editor:** For those interested, how can they apply for these complimentary IVF treatments, and what is the timeframe for this program?
**Sergey Yakovenko:** Interested individuals can visit our website for more details and submit their applications. This limited-time offer allows a specific number of couples to benefit from the program. We encourage everyone to reach out to us soon, as places may fill quickly given the interest we’ve already observed.
**Editor:** Before we wrap up, do you think this initiative could set a precedent for other tech entrepreneurs or wealthy individuals in fostering family growth in society?
**Sergey Yakovenko:** I believe it could indeed inspire others to consider how they can impact society positively. Innovations in reproductive technologies present unique opportunities for individuals able to contribute. It’s vital for such initiatives to be done ethically and thoughtfully, and if this sparks more similar programs, I welcome that discussion.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights today, Sergey. It’s an intriguing topic that raises many questions about the future of family planning and fertility treatments.
**Sergey Yakovenko:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss these important issues.