UPDATE: A shocking DNA test has revealed that a fertility doctor, Dr. Charles Peete, deceived countless families by using his own sperm instead of donor samples, impacting their health and identities for decades. This revelation comes as Summer McKesson, 43, sought answers for her mysterious health issues through 23andMe, leading to the discovery of at least seven half-siblings and a tangled web of medical malpractice.
McKesson’s journey began with years of suffering from unexplained blood clots, prompting her to undergo multiple surgeries and consultations at the renowned Mayo Clinic. Despite expert evaluations, her condition remained a medical enigma. In a desperate attempt for clarity, she turned to genetic testing and uncovered a devastating family secret linked to Peete, who operated at Duke University.
In October 2023, McKesson received her 23andMe results, which indicated she had seven half-siblings. “I was just shocked,” she recalled. “How is this possible?” After connecting with her newfound siblings, one suggested she ask her parents about Dr. Peete, which opened a floodgate of revelations.
The doctor, who died in 2013, had been a fertility specialist in the 1980s and 1990s. He inseminated patients using his own sperm without consent, a practice that has now come to be known as “fertility fraud.” McKesson learned that her genetic conditions, including Marfan syndrome, were inherited, yet she had no prior knowledge of such family traits.
In a distressing twist, a fellow victim, Laurie Kruppa, also discovered she had children fathered by Peete without her consent. “This is like getting raped by your father,” she stated, expressing her outrage over the ethical implications of Peete’s actions.
As more victims come forward, it is revealed that Peete may have fathered at least a dozen children through his deceptive practices. With the rise of consumer DNA testing, the fallout continues as families grapple with the truth of their origins.
Both McKesson and Kruppa have reached out to Duke University for accountability, but their efforts have been met with limited responses. Duke has acknowledged Peete’s unethical practices but insists such actions wouldn’t occur today. However, North Carolina currently lacks legislation against fertility fraud, leaving victims like McKesson feeling powerless.
McKesson now advocates for awareness of genetic health issues linked to her newfound siblings. “I’m trying to do the right thing,” she said. She hopes that sharing her story will encourage others to seek genetic testing, especially those at risk of inheriting serious conditions like Marfan syndrome, which can drastically reduce life expectancy if left untreated.
As the story of Dr. Peete’s deceit continues to unfold, the emotional and physical repercussions for his victims remain profound. McKesson emphasizes the importance of medical transparency and the need for regulations to protect future patients from similar violations.
The fallout from this scandal raises critical questions about trust in the medical community and the need for stricter oversight in the fertility industry. As victims seek justice and closure, the conversation around fertility fraud is more urgent than ever.
