UK Families Allege Wrong Sperm Used in Northern Cyprus IVF
Several British families are contending that they received incorrect sperm or egg donors during IVF treatments at clinics in Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus. DNA evidence from commercial tests appears to confirm their suspicions, raising serious questions about the regulation of fertility services in the territory.
The Cases Unfold
Among those affected are Laura and Beth, who sought IVF at the Dogus IVF Centre. They specifically requested sperm from the same anonymous donor, “Finn,” for both their children, Kate and James, to ensure a biological connection. However, after noticing discrepancies in James’s appearance and subsequent DNA testing nearly a decade later, it was revealed neither child was conceived with Finn’s sperm, and furthermore, they were not biologically related to each other, having come from two different donors.
The BBC has investigated seven such cases involving UK families, all linked to clinics in Northern Cyprus. This region operates outside EU law and lacks independent fertility regulation, making it a popular, albeit loosely monitored, destination for Britons seeking more affordable treatment or procedures illegal in the UK, such as sex selection.
Clinic’s Response and Expert Concerns
Dr. Firdevs Uguz Tip, who treated Beth and Laura, denied responsibility for ordering sperm at Dogus and questioned the reliability of commercial DNA tests. She also stated she did not perform IVF during the period of Beth and Laura's treatment, despite clinic website details suggesting otherwise. Dogus IVF Centre has not responded to requests for comment.
Experts in fertility across Europe have expressed significant concern. Prof. Denise Syndercombe Court, a leading forensic genetics expert, confirmed the unlikelihood of the children being related to the selected donor. Dr. Ippokratis Sarris of the British Fertility Society described such repeated errors as