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Families discover IVF errors after DNA tests
British couples who underwent fertility treatment in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus say DNA tests revealed their children were conceived using the wrong sperm or egg donors. At least seven families have raised concerns, with evidence suggesting clinics failed to use the donors they selected.
How the errors came to light
Laura and Beth, a couple from the UK, used in vitro fertilization (IVF) at a clinic in northern Cyprus to conceive their two children, Kate and James. They chose a Danish sperm donor, referred to as "Finn," to ensure their children would be biologically related. However, after James was born with physical traits unlike those of Finn or Beth, the couple grew suspicious.
Nearly a decade later, DNA tests confirmed neither child was related to Finn-or to each other. "The feeling of dread was knowing something had gone very much amiss," Beth told the BBC.
Clinic responses and regulatory gaps
The couple's treatment was overseen by Dr. Firdevs Uguz Tip at Dogus IVF Centre. When contacted, Dr. Firdevs denied responsibility for ordering sperm and questioned the reliability of the DNA tests. She also claimed she did not perform IVF procedures between 2011 and 2014, despite clinic records suggesting otherwise. Dogus IVF Centre has not responded to requests for comment.
Northern Cyprus, a territory recognized only by Turkey, has become a popular destination for fertility tourism due to its loose regulations and lower costs. Clinics there offer procedures banned in the UK, such as non-medical sex selection. The territory's Ministry of Health has not responded to the BBC's findings.
Broader concerns among affected families
The BBC identified five other British families who suspect similar errors occurred during their IVF treatments in northern Cyprus. Two families treated at Miracle IVF Centre, a clinic founded by Dr. Firdevs in 2019, later discovered through DNA tests that the egg donors used were not the ones they selected.
"I don't want to lie to them about where they come from," said one mother, who asked to be identified as Kathryn.
Dr. Firdevs told the BBC that egg donor selection at Miracle IVF was made by the clinic, not the patients, and that this was outlined in consent forms. However, families say they were not clearly informed that their chosen donors might not be used.
Expert reactions and legal implications
Fertility specialists described the scale of the errors as "appalling" and potentially indicative of negligence or deception. Dr. Ippokratis Sarris of the British Fertility Society said such mix-ups are unheard of in the UK, where independent regulators monitor clinics.
Northern Cyprus lacks a similar oversight body, leaving clinics to self-regulate. Lawyer Mine Atli noted that compliance with laws depends on clinic owners' "good conscience," rather than enforcement.
Ole Schou, CEO of Cryos International-the Danish sperm bank from which Finn's sperm was allegedly ordered-said the company has never recorded such an error in its 45-year history, though he acknowledged no system is foolproof.
Emotional toll on families
The revelations have had a profound impact on the affected families. Nina Barnsley of the UK's Donor Conception Network warned that discovering a donor's identity was misrepresented could have "significant" psychological effects.
For Laura and Beth's children, the news has been difficult to process. "Identity is the main thing. It's who you are as a person," James said. Kate added that their bond remains strong: "We're still a family even if it's not by blood."
Despite the turmoil, the couple emphasized their love for their children. "We have two amazing children," they said. "At the end of the day, everyone will be ok."
