URGENT UPDATE: A shocking DNA test has revealed a doctor’s decades-long deception, upending the lives of numerous families across the United States. Summer McKesson, a 43-year-old woman from North Carolina, learned that her fertility doctor, Dr. Charles Peete, used his own sperm to inseminate patients without their consent, leading to devastating personal revelations.
McKesson had suffered from mysterious blood clotting issues for years, prompting her to seek answers through genetic testing. In October 2023, she submitted her DNA sample to 23andMe and uncovered the truth: she has at least seven half-siblings, all connected to Peete’s unethical practices. “I was just sitting on my couch after work, and kind of quickly pulled up the results on my phone,” McKesson recalled.
The doctor’s actions have left families grappling with the ramifications of “fertility fraud,” a term that describes when medical professionals misrepresent the origin of donor sperm or eggs. McKesson’s struggles began in 2022 when a surgical team at the Mayo Clinic diagnosed her with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue. Following her diagnosis, she was thrust into a complex web of medical and ethical dilemmas surrounding her paternity.
As she delved deeper into her family history, McKesson reached out to her newfound half-siblings, seeking clarity. One sibling advised her to question her parents about Dr. Peete, revealing the startling possibility that they had unknowingly been victims of his deception. “I don’t want to cause any conflict,” the sibling wrote, suggesting the family consult their parents for more information.
Dr. Peete, who passed away in 2013, had a long history of using his own sperm to inseminate patients at Duke University Hospital. In the 1980s, he would carry out procedures involving donor sperm, but unbeknownst to his patients, he was the biological father of many of the children he helped conceive. The revelation has left families like McKesson’s grappling with the implications of their medical histories.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Duke University acknowledged the “unacceptable actions” of the past and emphasized that such practices would not occur today. However, the university has not provided sufficient answers regarding Peete’s medical history, leaving victims like McKesson feeling abandoned. “I felt like this was a chance for them to step up and be involved in doing the right thing, and they’ve chosen not to,” McKesson said.
This situation raises urgent questions about the ethics of fertility practices in the United States. While several states have enacted laws against fertility fraud, North Carolina has yet to do so, leaving many victims without legal recourse. “It’s pretty impossible for the victims to have any sort of justice in this situation,” McKesson lamented.
The emotional toll on McKesson and her half-siblings has been profound. McKesson now advocates for testing among her newfound family, emphasizing the importance of understanding their genetic health. “My hope in sharing my story is that if I have any other half-siblings out there, that I could save their life by knowing my medical history,” she stated.
As investigations continue, families impacted by Dr. Peete’s actions are left to navigate a tangled legacy of betrayal and medical malpractice. McKesson’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for transparency and ethical standards in fertility treatments. With her health hanging in the balance, she remains committed to shedding light on this critical issue, urging others to seek answers and protect their futures.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as this story develops and the implications of Dr. Peete’s actions continue to unfold.