Investigation reveals at least 30 children born from wrong donors in North Cyprus IVF clinics

At least 30 children, the majority of whom are British, are feared to have been conceived using sperm or egg donors different from those selected by their parents at clinics in North Cyprus. A BBC investigation revealed that many of these cases are linked to the Dogus IVF Centre, where parents had chosen donors based on specific physical characteristics, medical histories, and backgrounds. Eleven of the children have undergone commercial DNA tests that show genetic ancestry from Turkey or surrounding countries, contradicting the Western European donors requested by the parents.

One mother, Rachel, confirmed through a DNA test with her 13 year old son, Jonah, that the clinic had used the wrong sperm donor. She stated that she initially believed it was an isolated error but now views the situation as a larger scandal. Cryos International, the world's largest sperm bank, had blacklisted the Dogus clinic as early as 2016. Staff members at the clinic have either denied wrongdoing or failed to respond to inquiries.

North Cyprus is a territory recognized only by Turkey where European Union laws do not apply. Clinics in the region are loosely regulated and attract international patients with promises of low prices and a wide selection of donors. In response to the allegations, the North Cyprus Ministry of Health has launched an official investigation. Additionally, the UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice to warn that fertility treatment in the territory carries risks due to the lack of regulation.