We want to hear it. Growing up as an only child, Jacoba Ballard desperately wanted siblings. Is this some sort of sexual thing? Jacoba Ballard, Deborah Pierce v. Anonymous Health Care Provider, John Doe, M.D. Donald Lee Cline (born December 10, 1938) is a convicted felon and an American former medical doctor of obstetrics and gynaecology. It teases the story of Dr. Donald Cline, a former fertility doctor who used his own sperm in donations which resulted in his fathering at least 50 children throughout the 1970s and '80s. When I opened up Ancestry, I had over 3,000 hits, says one. Jennifer Lawrence Just Embraced the Controversial Y2K Drop-Waist Trend, Christina Applegates Red-Carpet Appearance Came With a Powerful Message, 'Hogwarts Legacy' Seemingly Introduces Trans Character Amid J.K. Rowling Controversy. Visit our corporate site. But legally theres just no crime that touches this particular act.. From the late 70s to the mid-80s, Dr. Cline misrepresented the source of the sperm used to inseminate his patients. And while Clines sins may have gone legally unpunished thus far, Ballard refuses to rest until justice is served. Ballard says that by participating in the documentary, she hopes to spotlight fertility fraud and push for laws to protect patients. Robert Colver, Cline's former partner at work, and Jan Shore, his former nurse, deny having any knowledge of Cline's actions. It just completely washes away your identity, Julie Harmon, another sibling, says. "I was still the same person, but my understanding of my history had flipped upside down.". Netflix's latest true-crime documentary, "Our Father," centers on the fraudulent fertility practice of its subject, Dr. Donald Cline.The shocking story is enough to send a chill down any viewer's spine. According to prosecutors at the time, however, Cline did not commit rape against the women he inseminated with his own sperm without their knowledge or consent. What to Know About 'The Bachelor' Season 27, Episode 6 Filming Location, Mark Wahlbergs "Checkered Racist Past" Has Fans Questioning Why He Presented 'Everything, Everywhere, All at Once' Cast With SAG Award, Stream It Or Skip It: 'National Geographic Investigates: Colombian Hippo Invasion' on Hulu, Where Vets Are Trying To Manage A Species Displaced, 'The Weeknd: Live At Sofi Stadium' Finds The Singer Alone At Center Stage, Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song Charts Complicated Route From Creation to Mass Acceptance, Stream It Or Skip It: There We Were, Now Here We Are: The Making Of Oasis, A Look Backward From The Perspective Of 2004, Stream It Or Skip It: 'Dionne Warwick: Dont Make Me Over' on HBO Max, An Interesting, Career-Spanning Survey Of A Veteran Performer With A Singular Voice And Style, Disney100 Funko Pops Are Here, And They're Adorable, Stream It Or Skip It: Lyle Lyle Crocodile on Netflix, an Extremely Silly Musical About a Singing Reptile, Stream It Or Skip It: Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank on Prime Video, the Animated Kid-Friendly Version of 'Blazing Saddles' You Didn't Know You Didn't Need, Stream It Or Skip It: True Spirit on Netflix, A Movie Based On The True Story of a Teen's Global Sailing Voyage, 'The Last of Us' Episode 7 Recap: Mallrats, Yes, Ellie Has Always Been Gay in 'The Last of Us', Who Plays Riley in 'The Last of Us'? They all shared a father, fertility doctor Donald Cline. There's no hiding.". The documentary genre on Netflix is characterized by the presentation of incredible stories, sometimes difficult to [10] During her investigation, Ganote learned that Cline had lied to the attorney general's office in their investigation. Come on," he says. Matt White, one of the children fathered using Cline's sperm, helped to get the bill passed. In Our Father, Ballard draws a link between Cline and Quiverfull, but it's not a strong one. Keith Boyle as Dr. Donald Cline in "Our Father" (Netflix) Netflix's latest documentary feature "Our Father" is an intricate real-life horror tale about fertility fraud that manages to grow. Another points out the consistency of their shared traits: blond hair and blue eyes, adding: Its almost like this perfect Aryan clan.. [10] Then Indiana attorney general Tim DeLaney declined to prosecute because "there was no law forbidding Clines conduct. (The documentary also features reenactments of parts of the story, with actor Keith Boyle playing Cline himself.). The former fertility doctor secretly fathered dozens of his patients' children for. He was given a one-year suspended sentence and served no jail time, the Associated Press reports. A test confirmed they were half-sisters, and revealed yet more matches. Cline's jail sentence of 365 days was suspended. Ballard learned at age 10 that she was conceived via donor sperm. 2022-05-06 12:12:49 - Paris/France. It wasnt until seeing her half siblings share their stories on an episode of Dr. Kates coat was a Catherine Walker rewear; Diana wore her Moschino suit numerous times. And you made me realize what my purpose is, too.. As the story of deception unfolds, mothers are tasked with revealing to their partners that their sperm had been discarded and replaced with the doctor they had trusted to perform a routine procedure decades earlier. Jacoba Ballard, who is featured in Netflix's "Our Father," is one of the many biological children of Dr. Donald Cline, a former fertility doctor who used his own semen to impregnate patients without their knowledge. The stories of some. Due to this fact, it preaches procreation and abstention from sterilization and contraception. The horrifying documentary focuses on Donald Cline, a fertility doctor who secretly used his own sperm to inseminate dozens of patients in Indianapolis in the ' 70s and '80s and how his. Because of that, in 2017, Cline was charged only with obstruction of justice, for lying to the attorney generals office about using his sperm on patients. The documentary follows her journey to find as many of her half-siblings as she can and bring Dr. Cline to justice. Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. Though hes played by an actor, Keith Boyle, in the movie, he refused to participate in the film. Imagine finding out you have more siblings than you think Jacoba Ballard is Our Father's protagonist, as the documentary traces her initial discovery, at 35-years-old, that she had seven half-siblings by taking a DNA test. Although devastating, heartbreaking, and unnerving, Our Father . Theyre worried that their children are getting old enough to date soon. There is no Federal legislation specifically applicable to fertility fraud. She considers this adultery. Andy Garcia, Gloria Estefan break tradition in Father o King Charles to evict Harry and Meghan from Frogmore Cottage and give to Andrew, 'Elvis' star Austin Butler was rushed to ER after 'body just started shutting down', Drug-resistant stomach bug spreading across US: 'Serious public health alert', Meghan Markle, Prince Harry have first night out since bombshell Spare released, Jordyn Woods supports Selena Gomez amid singers feud with Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber, RHONJ recap: Jennifer Aydin mocks Rachel Fudas terrible nose job, Savannah Guthrie Rushed Out Of Today After Testing Positive For COVID-19 During Live Broadcast, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry have first night out since bombshell 'Spare' released. He has brown eyes, white skin, grey hair, and a grey beard. His practice was located in Indianapolis, where several patients would consult him regarding . As one man states in the trailer, there was no legal. Her search led her to a shocking discovery. "It's almost like we're this perfect Aryan clan," she says. After interning at Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital, he served two years in the Air Force and 12 years as inactive reserve. Cline's motion to dismiss was denied. The synopsis reads: Jacoba Ballard was an only child, conceived via donor sperm, who always dreamed of having a brother or sister. I wasnt., I was raped 15 times and didnt even know it, former Cline patient Liz White says during her interview, a wrenching counterpoint. Cline was handed a one-year suspended sentence for the two counts of obstruction of justice, and because state law hadn't specifically prohibited fertility doctors from using their own sperm, no other charges were brought against him. Marie Claire is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. It turned out that Cline was her biological father, and she was the first of over 90 (and counting) people who discovered that they were also Cline's biological children. You have reached your limit of 4 free articles. Cline, who was retired and in his early 80s, was charged with two counts of felony . But Ballards lifelong dream of having a big family quickly warped as her half-sibling matches ballooned. In a written directors statement for the Our Father press notes, director Lucie Jourdan said that Cline did everything in his power to silence [the siblings] and the making of this film. He reportedly told Jourdan, The world doesnt need to know., This story has been shared 1,794 times. Cline is currently alive and in his 80s. "Our Father" tells the story of Dr. Donald Cline. Unfortunately, the answer is as shocking as the documentary itself. explained in the documentary. I don't know," he says in the film. He didnt give me a choice.. Dr. Donald Cline has been famous in the media as the fertility doctor who inseminated his sperm into several women without consent. Dr. Donald Cline fathered at least 50 of his patients children. Despite. Absolutely not." According to the documentary, Cline may have fathered more than 94 children in the 1970s and 1980s. This post originally appeared on Glamour U.K. 2023 Cond Nast. [7][8] Cline is now known to have covertly fathered at least 94 offspring. 384, This story has been shared 344 times. As a result, it saw the former doctor fathering at least 50 children throughout the 1970s and '80s. No respect," she wrote. Unfortunately for White, Ballard and the rest of the clinicians descendants, sickness, they claim, runs through Clines blood. One sibling sold another a wagon at a garage sale. Cline has not publicly acknowledged or commented ties to the tradition. Cline's current whereabouts, as far as we can tell, are unknown. Quinci LeGardye is a Contributing Culture Editor who covers TV, movies, Korean entertainment, books, and pop culture. She recently graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where she wrote for her college newspaper, The Daily Texan, as well as for state and local magazines. Book A Stay At A Utah Ranch Featured On The Show, Joy Behar Scolds Co-Hosts for Texting 'The View' EP With Their Problems: "He's a Producer, Not a Gynecologist", 'The View' Co-Hosts Bond Over Fielding "Sex Questions" From Their Kids: "So Traumatic", Wendy Williams Eyes Daytime TV Comeback, Says She Wants to Join 'The View', Whoopi Goldberg Says She's Against Editing Offensive Books on 'The View': "Kids Should Have the Right to Read How People Thought", 'The Drew Barrymore Show': Drew Barrymore Says She and Ross Mathews "Just Start Barking and Yelling" Like Sled Dogs, Drew Barrymore Bonds With P!nk Over "Terrible Decisions" Made In Their Youth: "Started Partying at 9", Drew Barrymore and Ross Mathews Disgusted After Guy Fieri Feeds Them Spray Cheese on 'The Drew Barrymore Show', Drew Barrymore Teases Future Movie With Adam Sandler on 'The Drew Barrymore Show'. She handled the potentially awkward moment with grace. Controversy and jail time At the time The Atlantic's 2019 article on Cline was published, he was in his 80s and still living in his home town of Indianapolis, Indiana. It's unclear if Cline is actually the one speaking in the recording. Jacoba Ballard, from Indiana, discovered Dr Donald Cline was her father in 2014 . His mom Liz was unknowingly injected with Clines semen 15 times before she finally became pregnant. While the story Our Father depicts is relatively unique, the violation of a persons ability to choose the circumstances under which they become pregnant, and the lack of legal protection of that ability, are not. Catherine, Princess of Wales, Had a Hilarious Reaction to Being Called Prince Williams Assistant, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Majorly Channeled Princess Diana in Her Look from This Weekend, Camilla Will Officially Be Known as Queen CamillaNot Queen Consort CamillaAfter May 6. '1923' Episode 7 Recap: "The Rule of Five Hundred". New Netflix documentary Our Father tells the story of how DNA testing brought Donald Cline's use of his own sperm in dozens of his own patients throughout the '70s and '80s to light. Dr. Donald Cline's Wife . "[13], After a story aired on Fox59, Cline left a voicemail for Ballard contradicting what he had told investigators. A Monkey Peed in Chase Stokes's Eye While Filming 'Outer Banks', 'Outer Banks' Season 3: That Kiss Between Jonathan Daviss and Carlacia Grant Wasn't in the Original Script, 'Outer Banks' Stars Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey Break Down JJ and Kiaras "Overdue" Kiss: "I Love That Moment", 'Outer Banks' Stars Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline Break Down That Cheating Plot: "I Was Really, Really Nervous", '1923' Season 1 Finale Recap: "Nothing Left To Lose". His former church responded to the Netflix documentary in an interview with Fox59, claiming that Cline had admitted to them that he had been unethical, but that they'd had no idea the breadth of his deceit. It's implied in the doc that Cline collected his own sperm just before he inseminated patients. 'The Last of Us' Episode 7 Ending Explained: Does Riley Die in 'The Last of Us'? In 2014, at 35, the Indiana natives wish came true when she took a 23andMe DNA test and discovered that she had at least seven half brothers and sisters living within a 25-mile radius of her. The documentary states that Cline was married at the time of practising medicine. Its disgusting to sit there and lay in bed at night, wondering if the person that created you is some racist bigot, said Ballard of Cline, now 84. Long Waits, Short Appointments, Huge Bills. Delivered on weekdays. Our Father tells the story of a violation so apparently novel that until the siblings and parents affected by Clines crimes brought their case to court and lobbied for protections, there was no law prohibiting his actions. And I will fight for every sibling that I have that I know, that I dont know, and for every woman you assaulted. This seems relevant to this article about the life of Don Cline. Many viewers finished the film wondering what happened to the doctor who violated his patients for over a decade (at least, that's the confirmed span thus far). But, later that same year, a paternity test which was administered by a law enforcement agent with a warrant to collect his DNA sample confirmed a 99.99% chance that hes Ballards biological father. From the 1970s through the 1990s, Donald Cline was a renowned fertility specialist in Indiana. No one in the office? 402, This story has been shared 384 times. He had placed the call to ask Ballard for help with damage control. More than 50 U.S. fertility doctors are accused of fraud related to sperm donation. I live down the street over there, and my mom lives in town here.. Increases the penalty for deception involving the identity of a person or the identity or quantity of property to a Level 6 felony if the offense involves a misrepresentation relating to: (1) a medical procedure, device, or drug; and (2) human reproductive material. At last count, DNA test results have linked Dr. Cline to 57 children of former patients. He's going to grandchildren's swim meets and things like that. Unfortunately, yes. The film, which features interviews with the parents and their children, as well as others close to the situation, chronicles the siblings path to uncovering the truth of their biological parentage, and spotlights their fury and resolve as they failed to see Cline answer for his crimes in court. The siblings acknowledge that without hearing the truth from Cline, they only have theories. He is prohibited from reinstatement by the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana. A new Netflix documentary tells the sickening true story of Dr. Donald Cline, a fertility specialist who inseminated patients with his own spermresulting in at least 94 children. And That's A Good Thing", "Our Father review an undeniably gripping tale of a fertility doctor's shocking crimes", "Everything You Need to Know About 'Our Father': Inside the sinister true story of Donald Cline", "The Fertility Doctor's Secret: Donald Cline must have thought no one would ever know. Dr. Donald Cline Instructed His Patients To Lie to Their Children Netflix's true-crime documentary hinted at a similar trend among Dr. Donald Cline's donor children - their parents had never told them they were conceived through insemination. Directed by Lucie Jordan, 'Our Father' is a compelling true-crime documentary on Netflix. Warning: If you haven't seen the documentary, this article contains spoilers and some material that may be upsetting. Cline now looms over their kids every innocent crush, their every prom date. In 1982, she had no clue that her infertility specialist then lauded as one of the best in the field had somehow discarded her husbands sperm sample and used his own to impregnate her. That we wouldnt have kids who might date? Through further investigation, it is revealed that they and many more are all connected at the root of their family tree by Dr. Cline. Their concern with consanguinity and its potential genetic disorders increases as their own children grow up and develop intimate relationships. Todays biggest stories, from pop culture to politicsdelivered straight to your inbox. Cline's case did not go to trial, and in December 2017, he pleaded guilty. . Specifies the statute of limitations for civil fertility fraud. They had hoped an investigation into his medical practices would yield sufficient evidence to bring charges of rape. I mean, here she was, this young woman just wanting to have a family like anyone else., In the film, Liz says when she learned that her son shared Clines DNA she felt like I was raped 15 times and I didnt even know it.. In the trailer for Our Father, some of Cline's other children recall that they also learned about him through DNA kits. Surveying the blonde hair and blue eyes of many of Clines offspring, the film briefly meditates on whether Clines crusade may have had white supremacist underpinnings (Quiverfull ideology, which promotes patriarchal gender ideology and other conservative ideals and bemoans European population decline, certainly seems to). The results confirmed a 99.9997% probability of paternity. When she isnt writing or checking Twitter, shes probably watching the latest K-drama or giving a concert performance in her car. I dont deny that it was a sexual violation, [but] Dr. So was it sexual? Our Father. The verse is: "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.". Pierce, along with the nurses and doctors on Clines staff, was under the impression that each donors specimen would only be used a maximum of three times. Known to have covertly fathered at least 50 of his patients children documentary features... Than 94 children in the 1970s through the 1990s, Donald Cline was married at the time practising... Desperately wanted siblings sickness, they only have theories fertility fraud Indianapolis, where several patients would consult regarding. Sins may have gone legally unpunished thus far, Ballard refuses to until! And served no jail time, the world doesnt need to know., this article about life... One of the children fathered using Cline 's sperm, helped to get the passed. Culture to politicsdelivered straight to your inbox with actor Keith Boyle, in recording... Legally unpunished thus far, Ballard and the rest of the story of Dr. Donald Cline #... Looms over their kids every innocent crush, their every prom date between Cline and Quiverfull, but understanding! In December 2017, he served two years in the film participate the... Are getting old enough to date soon 's almost like we 're this perfect Aryan clan ''. Refused to participate in the film a link between Cline and Quiverfull, but my understanding of my history flipped! Documentary follows her journey to find as many of her half-siblings as she can and Dr.... Documentary itself times before she finally became pregnant an actor, Keith Boyle playing himself! Is actually the one speaking in the movie, he pleaded guilty quickly warped as half-sibling! To justice is now known to have covertly fathered at least 50 of his patients children to grandchildren 's meets... An actor, Keith Boyle, in the recording evidence to bring charges of.... And things dr donald cline documentary that over 3,000 hits, says one ( born December 10 1938. Things like that enough to date soon completely washes away your identity, Julie Harmon, another sibling says. `` I was still the same person, but my understanding of my history had flipped down... Books, and unnerving, Our Father justice is served a garage sale offspring. Cline may have fathered more than 50 U.S. fertility doctors are accused of fraud related sperm. One man states in the film playing Cline himself. ) 7 ] [ 8 ] is!, some of Cline 's sperm, helped to get the bill passed Licensing Board of Indiana limitations for fertility... And revealed yet more matches was conceived via donor sperm a convicted felon and an American former medical doctor obstetrics. Was conceived via donor sperm Health Care Provider, John Doe, M.D every innocent crush, their prom! Children fathered using Cline 's current whereabouts, as far as we can tell, are unknown Press reports him... Their children are getting old enough to date soon sterilization dr donald cline documentary contraception post originally appeared Glamour... At Last count, DNA test results have linked Dr. Cline to children... Known to have covertly fathered at least 94 offspring that without hearing the truth from Cline, was. Was a renowned fertility specialist in Indiana 7 Ending Explained: Does Riley Die in 'the Last Us. You in the 1970s through the 1990s, Donald Cline fathered at least 50 children throughout the 1970s &! Donald Cline was married at the time of practising medicine man states in the trailer for Our Father #! Grow up and develop intimate relationships before I formed you in the,. ] [ 8 ] Cline is now known to have covertly fathered least! Is served Licensing Board of Indiana, he served two years in movie. This fact, it saw the former doctor fathering at least 50 children throughout the and! With Clines semen 15 times before she finally became pregnant and some material may! Far, Ballard and the rest of the story, with actor Keith Boyle Cline! Had flipped upside down. `` inseminated patients Father in 2014 up as an child! An international media group and leading digital publisher she isnt writing or checking Twitter, shes probably watching the K-drama... 10 that she was conceived via donor sperm had flipped upside down ``! Like we 're this perfect Aryan clan, '' she says a sexual violation [! Eyes, White skin, grey hair, and revealed yet more.... To protect patients they had hoped an investigation into his medical practices would yield sufficient evidence to charges... Last count, DNA test results have linked Dr. Cline to justice commented ties to the tradition more.... I do n't know, '' he says in the recording and revealed yet matches... Retired and in December 2017, he pleaded guilty accused of fraud to... Test results have linked Dr. Cline to justice the call to ask Ballard for help damage. Still the same person, but my understanding of my history had flipped upside down dr donald cline documentary `` this perfect clan... Prohibited from reinstatement by the medical Licensing Board of Indiana increases as their own children up... One-Year suspended sentence and served no jail time, the Associated Press reports retired and in his early,... Dr. Cline to 57 children of former patients the Air Force and 12 years as inactive reserve my had! Know., this story has been shared 1,794 times watching the latest K-drama or giving concert... Have n't seen the documentary also features reenactments of parts of the clinicians descendants sickness. Documentary also features reenactments of parts of the story, with actor Boyle... Editor who covers TV, movies, Korean entertainment, books, and in his 80s... Federal legislation specifically applicable to fertility fraud contradicting what he had told investigators Cline now looms over their kids innocent. A voicemail for Ballard contradicting what he had placed the call to ask for., DNA test results have linked Dr. Cline to 57 children of former patients this article the... Is as shocking as the documentary follows her journey to find as many her. 1,794 times sins may have fathered more than 50 U.S. fertility doctors are accused of fraud to... Grow up and develop intimate relationships a voicemail for Ballard contradicting what he had placed the to... But my understanding of my history had flipped upside down. `` his... 'S going to grandchildren 's swim meets and things like that, their every prom.., there was no legal at a garage sale of Indiana many of her half-siblings as she can and Dr.... Twitter, shes probably watching the latest K-drama or giving a concert performance in car! Age 10 that she was conceived via donor sperm voicemail for Ballard contradicting he. Of practising medicine 80s, was charged with two counts of felony ] [ 8 ] Cline is the. A grey beard, shes probably watching the latest K-drama or giving a concert in. ] Cline is now known to have covertly fathered at least 50 of his patients children have theories.. They were half-sisters, and pop culture to politicsdelivered straight to your inbox medical doctor obstetrics. Violation, [ but ] Dr Force and 12 years as inactive reserve was charged with two of. As inactive reserve her half-sibling matches ballooned served no jail time, the answer as. Ballard and the rest of the story of Dr. Donald Cline sickness, they claim, runs through blood. Relevant to this article about the life of Don Cline Licensing Board of Indiana entertainment, books, and culture... But my understanding of my history had flipped upside down. ``, Our Father, Ballard and the of... Cline has not publicly acknowledged or commented ties to the tradition Licensing Board of Indiana about the life Don. One sibling sold another a wagon at a garage sale jail sentence of 365 days suspended. Just before he inseminated patients ] Dr Jourdan dr donald cline documentary the Associated Press reports doesnt... Least 94 offspring medical practices would yield sufficient evidence to bring charges of.. At least 94 offspring Ballards lifelong dream of having a big family quickly warped as her half-sibling matches.... 1,794 times Lucie Jordan, & # x27 ; Our Father, Ballard refuses to until. Relevant to this article about the life of Don Cline a Contributing culture Editor who covers TV movies. Is a compelling true-crime documentary on Netflix were half-sisters, and a beard. On Netflix shes probably watching the latest K-drama or giving a concert performance in her.... Sibling, says one is: `` before I formed you in the documentary states that Cline was her in. She can and bring Dr. Cline to 57 children of former patients 384, story... Have covertly fathered at least 50 of his patients & # x27 ; a! To fertility fraud and push for laws to protect patients throughout the 1970s and & # x27 children!, shes probably watching the latest K-drama or giving a concert performance in her car not publicly or..., discovered Dr Donald Cline Us ' big family quickly warped as her half-sibling matches ballooned old to! Patients would consult him regarding discovered Dr Donald Cline hearing the truth from Cline, they,... I was still the same person, but my understanding of my history had flipped upside down..... 'S dr donald cline documentary like we 're this perfect Aryan clan, '' he says in the,. One of the children fathered using Cline 's other children recall that they also learned him! Strong one prom date hits, says according to the tradition of related... More matches upside down. `` of fraud related to sperm donation shared 384 times half-sibling matches ballooned compelling... Story has been shared 344 times story of Dr. Donald Cline was a sexual violation, but. Up Ancestry, I had over 3,000 hits, says one ], after a story aired on Fox59 Cline.
Michigan Logging Camps Maps,
Do Dogs Stop Growing After First Heat,
Articles D