• Ari Nagel, 50, has fathered 176 children globally and plans to stop donating sperm by age 50 due to age-related health concerns.
• He stays in contact with many of his children and keeps detailed records, though he hasn’t met 34 of them yet.
• Public reaction is mixed, with some praising his generosity and others raising ethical and emotional concerns.

Just days before Father’s Day, 50-year-old Ari Nagel, a college math professor from Brooklyn, celebrated the birth of his 176th child. Known to some as “The Sperminator,” Nagel has become a household name in the world of unconventional fatherhood, building a legacy that spans across nearly every continent.

And though he’s not slowing down just yet, Nagel has announced he will retire as a donor by the time he turns 50.

“I’ll stop when I’m 50,” he said candidly. “I could keep going physically, but I don’t want to take the chance of passing on issues associated with older dads, like autism. I’ve got to be responsible.”

His latest child was born in Connecticut, adding another pin to the map of his ever-growing global family. Currently, ten more women are pregnant with his children—located in the U.S., Canada, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Some are just weeks away from giving birth, while others are expecting later this summer.

A Growing Family That Spans the Globe

What started as a charitable impulse has turned into a personal mission. Eight years ago, Nagel began donating sperm to women who needed help starting a family. At first, it was just once or twice a month. Now, it’s weekly—and sometimes even more frequent than that.

The numbers are staggering: 165 children born, ten more on the way, and likely more before he reaches his self-imposed retirement age. Nagel says he’s proud of the role he’s played in helping others become parents, but it hasn’t been without personal sacrifices.

He keeps meticulous records. In his office, there’s a spreadsheet with each child’s name, birthday, address, and contact information. Alongside it is a wall of photographs—a visual reminder of the hundreds of lives he’s touched. He makes a genuine effort to stay in contact, particularly with the families close to home in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

“Being involved brings me joy,” he said. “Even if I can’t be there every day, I want my kids to know I care.”

Not every family wants him in the picture, though. Some mothers choose to raise their children alone, without input or contact from Nagel. Still, he offers the option to be involved, knowing many parents change their minds once children start asking questions.

“I always tell them the door is open. A lot of moms reach out when their kids want to know who I am. I respect whatever decision they make.”

Fatherhood Without the Romance

For all the children he’s helped bring into the world, Nagel hasn’t had much luck in the love department.

“I’m on dating apps, but let’s be real—how many women want to date a guy with 165 kids and ten women pregnant at the same time?” he said with a self-deprecating laugh. “Also, I’m not rich. That probably doesn’t help.”

Despite his growing family, Nagel’s personal finances haven’t benefited from his role as a sperm donor. He donates for free and covers much of the cost himself. It’s not about money, he says—it’s about helping people.

Still, that altruism comes at a price. A traditional relationship, marriage, or even just dating is nearly impossible under the circumstances. And it’s not lost on him.

“I wouldn’t say I’m lonely,” he said. “But sure, sometimes it would be nice to share my life with someone.”

The Public’s Mixed Reaction

Nagel’s story has stirred up strong reactions online and in the media. Some applaud his selflessness, praising his efforts to help women—particularly single mothers and same-sex couples—achieve their dreams of parenthood. For many, he’s seen as a modern-day fertility hero.

“I couldn’t have had my son without him,” said one mother from New Jersey who now has a three-year-old daughter thanks to Nagel. “He didn’t ask for anything in return, not even his name on the birth certificate.”

Others, however, view the situation with skepticism or even outrage.

“He’s playing God,” one critic wrote on social media. “These kids deserve more than just biology. What about emotional support? What about responsibility?”

There are concerns about the long-term effects on the children, the potential for unintentional incest among siblings, and the ethical line between generosity and recklessness. Some believe there should be legal limits on how many children one donor can father.

But Nagel remains calm in the face of controversy.

“I’ve thought about all of it. I understand the concerns. But I do my best to stay connected and to be there when I’m wanted,” he said. “I’ve had some amazing relationships with my kids. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”

Planning for the End—Sort Of

“My inbox is full every day. Some women are desperate. They’ve been rejected by clinics, can’t afford IVF, or just want a known donor,” he explained. “It’s hard to say no when I know I can help.”

He’s also aware that he still hasn’t met 34 of his children. One of his personal goals before retiring is to close that gap and establish some form of connection with each one.

“They’re all part of me,” he said. “I want to be a better dad to all 175 of them.”

That number—175—may seem absurd to most people. But for Nagel, it’s a legacy of love, commitment, and giving.