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A number of British families have come forward with serious concerns that fertility clinics in occupied Cyprus may have used incorrect sperm or egg donors during IVF treatment, raising questions about oversight and patient safety.
One couple, Laura and Beth, began to suspect something was wrong shortly after the birth of their second child. Both of their children had been conceived through IVF at the same clinic, and the couple had specifically requested that the same sperm donor be used each time so their children would be biologically related.
However, physical differences in their younger child led to growing doubts. Years later, DNA testing confirmed their fears: neither child was genetically linked to the donor they had selected, and the children were not biologically related to each other. This indicated that two different donors had been used.
The emotional impact was immediate and profound. The parents were left questioning not only how such an error could occur, but also what it meant for their children’s sense of identity and medical history.
A pattern of similar cases
A BBC investigation uncovered multiple families with comparable experiences. In total, at least seven children from different families are believed to have been conceived using the wrong donor sperm or eggs. Many of these families have relied on commercial DNA testing, which appears to support their concerns.
All cases are connected to fertility clinics operating in the Turkish-occupied defacto Cyprus "state", a region that is not subject to European Union regulations and lacks an independent fertility watchdog. While the local "health ministry" is responsible for oversight, critics argue that enforcement is limited.
Why occupied Cyprus attracts IVF patients
The Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus has become a popular destination for fertility treatment, particularly among UK patients. Clinics often advertise lower costs and access to a wide selection of international donors.
They also offer procedures that are restricted or illegal in some countries, such as non-medical gender selection. This combination of affordability and flexibility has made the region especially appealing to same-sex couples and single parents. However, experts say the lack of strict regulation may increase the risk of serious errors.
The donor mix-up
Laura and Beth had chosen a sperm donor from a Danish sperm bank, selecting him based on detailed medical and personal information. They were assured that the clinic would handle the ordering process.
After the birth of their first child, they returned to the same clinic for a second treatment, again requesting the same donor. Both procedures were carried out under the assumption that their instructions had been followed. But DNA evidence later showed that neither child was conceived using that donor. Further accredited testing confirmed the findings, strengthening the case that a mistake, or something more serious, had occurred.
Attempts to get answers from clinic staff were unsuccessful. Conflicting statements were given about who was responsible for ordering donor sperm, and some involved individuals questioned the reliability of DNA testing.
Fertility specialists say that while isolated errors in IVF can happen, multiple incidents involving the same medical team are extremely unusual. Some experts suggest that repeated discrepancies could point to negligence or even deliberate misconduct. They also emphasize that such mistakes can have lasting consequences, not only medically, but psychologically, for both parents and children.
Two other families treated at a different clinic run by the same doctor have reported similar concerns, this time involving egg donation. These families believed they had selected specific donors based on detailed profiles, but later DNA tests suggested otherwise. The clinic maintains that donor selection was handled internally and that patients were informed of this through consent forms. However, the families say they were led to believe they were choosing identifiable individuals, not general donor categories.
Lack of regulation
Unlike the UK, which has a dedicated regulatory body overseeing fertility treatments, occupied Cyprus does not have an independent authority to monitor clinics or enforce consistent standards. Legal experts in the region say compliance often depends on the ethics of individual clinic operators rather than strict enforcement. Lower regulatory costs may help keep treatment prices down, but they can also reduce accountability.
For the affected families, the revelations have been life-altering. Parents have struggled with how to explain the situation to their children, particularly when it comes to questions of identity and biological origins. Despite the uncertainty, many emphasize that their family bonds remain unchanged. The children, though not genetically related as once believed, continue to see each other as siblings.
While the emotional challenges remain, families say their focus is on moving forward and ensuring their children feel secure and supported.
