IVF staff accused of misleading UK parents about sperm and egg donors in northern Cyprus
Multiple children are feared to have been conceived using sperm and egg donors which were not the ones selected by the parents.
At least 30 British children may have been conceived through IVF treatment in northern Cyprus using incorrect sperm or egg donors, according to a BBC investigation. Parents suspect they did not receive the donors they had selected, despite having carefully chosen anonymous donors based on factors such as medical history, appearance, personality, education, and hobbies.
The investigation uncovered seven initial cases, but more parents have since come forward with similar concerns. Half of the 30 children were born at the Dogus IVF Centre, where three staff members - Dr. Firdevs Uguz Tip, Dr. Sevket Alpturk, and patient coordinator Julie Hodson - were involved in patient care. Dr. Uguz Tip denies any wrongdoing, while Dr. Alpturk and Ms. Hodson have not responded to inquiries.
The BBC learned that Cryos International, the world's largest sperm bank, has blacklisted the Dogus clinic since 2016. Northern Cyprus, a territory where European Union laws do not apply, is known for loosely regulated clinics that promise low prices, high success rates, and a wide selection of donors. The Ministry of Health in the territory has launched an official investigation, but has not provided more information.
DNA tests show that 11 of the 30 children have inherited genetic ancestry from Turkey or surrounding countries, suggesting that the requested donors were not used.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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