At least 30 children are feared to have been conceived using the wrong sperm or egg donors at fertility clinics in northern Cyprus, with many parents suspecting deception.
Key facts
- •At least 30 children are suspected to have been conceived with the wrong donors, with 15 cases linked to the Dogus IVF Centre.
- •DNA tests on 11 children showed genetic ancestry from Turkey or surrounding countries instead of the expected origins.
- •Cryos International blacklisted the Dogus clinic in 2016 due to concerns over failed sperm orders.
- •The British Fertility Society stated that the pattern of errors suggests systemic negligence or deception.
- •Northern Cyprus is a popular destination for British fertility patients due to lower costs and looser regulations.
A BBC investigation has identified at least 30 children, mostly British, who were likely conceived using incorrect sperm or egg donors at IVF clinics in northern Cyprus. Parents report that their carefully selected donor criteria were ignored, with 15 of these cases linked to the Dogus IVF Centre. DNA testing on 11 of the children revealed genetic ancestry from Turkey or surrounding regions, contradicting the expected profiles of their chosen donors.
By the numbers
Allegations Against Dogus IVF Centre
The Dogus IVF Centre is the focus of the investigation, with half of the affected children conceived there. Parents have raised concerns regarding the conduct of Dr. Firdevs Uguz Tip, Dr. Sevket Alpturk, and patient co-ordinator Julie Hodson. While Dr. Firdevs denies any wrongdoing, the other two individuals have not responded to inquiries. The British Fertility Society has described the scale of these occurrences as suggesting systemic negligence or deception.
Sperm Bank Blacklist and Regulatory Concerns
Cryos International, the world's largest sperm bank, confirmed it blacklisted the Dogus clinic in 2016 after discovering the facility failed to order sperm from them despite claims to the contrary. Northern Cyprus operates with loose regulations where EU laws do not apply, making it a popular destination for British patients seeking lower costs and high success rates. The territory's Ministry of Health has launched an investigation, though it has not provided further updates.
Timeline
- 2012Rachel began her treatment at the Dogus IVF Centre.
- 2016Cryos International blacklisted the Dogus clinic.
- March 2024The BBC first reported on a small group of parents who appeared to have been misled.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Health.
