A study published in 2013 reported 45 cases of women claiming virgin births in the United States, although the study itself acknowledged the possibility of inaccurate reporting and lack of definitive proof. [^1, ^2, ^3, ^4] It's crucial to understand that these self-reported cases lack the rigorous medical verification required to confirm a true virgin birth in humans.
While the number of claimed virgin births in humans is reported as 45 in this specific study, it's essential to note the study's limitations. The lack of medical validation means these instances are considered alleged virgin births rather than confirmed scientific occurrences.
However, virgin births, scientifically known as parthenogenesis, are a documented phenomenon in the animal kingdom. This asexual reproduction, where offspring develop from an unfertilized egg, has been observed in various species, including:
- Crocodiles [^5, ^6, ^7]
- Snakes [^8, ^9]
- Birds [^5]
- Fish [^5]
- California Condors [^10]
The number of documented cases of parthenogenesis in animals varies greatly across species and is continuously updated as research progresses. There is no single, globally maintained database tracking these instances. The available research indicates it is a relatively rare event even in species where it has been observed.
Furthermore, reports of virgin births exist throughout history and across various cultures, often predating the Christian narrative, highlighting the widespread existence of such myths and legends. [^11]
In summary, while 45 cases of claimed virgin births were reported in a study focusing on human self-reporting, these lack confirmation. Parthenogenesis has been scientifically confirmed in several animal species, but the precise number of documented occurrences remains variable and species-specific. The number of confirmed virgin births in humans is zero.
[^1]: British Medical Journal: UNC study finds numerous virgin births reported in U.S. since mid-1990s. (https://sph.unc.edu/sph-news/british-medical-journal-unc-study-finds-numerous-virgin-births-reported-in-u-s-since-mid-1990s/)
[^2]: 'Strange Nativities': Scientists Find 45 'Virgin Births' (and Some Virgin Fathers). (https://abcnews.go.com/Health/unc-scientists-find-45-virgin-births-national-survey/story?id=21262729)
[^3]: Virgin births claimed by 1 percent of U.S. moms: Study. (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/virgin-births-claimed-by-1-percent-of-us-moms-study/)
[^4]: I am not aware of any medically validated virgin pregnancies in humans. Of 7,870 women, 5,340 reported a pregnancy, and 45 of these (0.8 percent) consistently affirmed their status as virgins and did not use assisted reproductive technology, yet reported a virgin birth. (Source: News article excerpt)
[^5]: INHS researchers reveal “virgin birth” in a crocodile. (https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/7447/817183762)
[^6]: American crocodiles can have 'virgin births'—here's what that means. (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/american-crocodiles-virgin-birth-parthenogenesis)
[^7]: 8 animals that have virgin births. (https://www.livescience.com/animals/animals-that-have-virgin-births)
[^8]: World's Longest Snake Has Virgin Birth—First Recorded in Species. (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/141023-virgin-birth-pythons-snakes-animals-science)
[^9]: The boy whose blood has no father. (https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg14819982-300-the-boy-whose-blood-has-no-father/)
[^10]: California condors: Virgin births discovered in critically endangered birds. (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-59097703)
[^11]: Virgin births in history pre-date Christian Jesus Christmas story. (https://www.smh.com.au/national/there-s-nothing-new-about-virgin-births-just-ask-plato-20191225-p53mui.html)
