"Your child is from a Turk": shocking error led to birth from foreign donors

A BBC investigation found that at least 30 children were born after IVF using unknown donors at fertility clinics in Northern Cyprus. Parents selected donors based on characteristics, but DNA tests revealed Turkish origin. Half of the cases are linked to the Dogus clinic, which was blacklisted by Cryos in 2016. Three clinic staff were involved in the procedures. Cryos suspended cooperation with Dr. Firdevs and the Miracle IVF clinic.

A BBC investigation has revealed that at least 30 children were born after in vitro fertilization (IVF) using unknown sperm and egg donors at fertility clinics in Northern Cyprus. Parents chose donors based on specific characteristics, but DNA tests found Turkish origin instead of what was expected. Half of the cases are linked to the Dogus IVF Centre, which the Danish sperm bank Cryos International blacklisted as early as 2016. Three clinic staff were involved in the procedures: Dr. Firdevs Uguz Tip, Dr. Sevket Alpturk, and coordinator Julie Hodson. According to DNA test results, 11 of the 30 children have origins from Turks or residents of neighboring countries. Rachel's story: 14 years ago, she chose an anonymous Danish donor under the pseudonym Ditto, but a DNA test showed that the donor was someone else - of Turkish-Southern European origin. Cryos stated that they have no records of sperm deliveries to the Dogus clinic. The investigation influenced Cryos's decision to suspend cooperation with Dr. Firdevs and the Miracle IVF clinic until the Northern Cyprus government's investigation is completed.