A BBC investigation has uncovered multiple cases in which families who underwent IVF treatment in northern Cyprus believe the wrong sperm or egg donors were used. Among them are Laura and her partner Beth, a British couple who had two children through IVF at a clinic in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus. They had chosen a specific sperm donor and had requested that the same donor be used for both children so they would be biologically related.
However, doubts emerged shortly after the birth of their second child, James. His physical characteristics did not match those of his biological mother or the donor profile the couple had selected. Nearly a decade later, DNA tests indicated that neither child was biologically related to the chosen donor and that the two children were not biologically related to each other.
“The feeling of dread was knowing something had gone very wrong,” Beth said.
Seven children linked to similar cases
According to the BBC investigation, the broadcaster spoke to families of seven children in total who believe incorrect sperm or egg donors were used during IVF procedures in northern Cyprus. Most have undertaken commercial DNA tests that appear to support their concerns. All cases are linked to clinics operating in northern Cyprus, a territory not recognised internationally except by Turkey and not subject to European Union regulatory frameworks. Experts told the BBC that the region has become a popular destination for fertility treatment due to lower costs, wider donor availability and fewer restrictions, including procedures that are not permitted in the United Kingdom.
The case of Beth and Laura
Beth and Laura began their fertility journey in 2011, selecting a donor known as “Finn” through what they believed was a Danish sperm bank, Cryos International. The clinic assured them that the sperm would be ordered and delivered before their treatment. Their first child, Kate, was born following IVF at the Dogus IVF Centre. When they returned for a second child, they were told the same donor would be used again.
Years later, DNA testing revealed that neither child had been conceived using the selected donor and that the children were not biologically related. The couple described feeling “absolutely livid” and said they were left without answers about who the biological donors were or what medical screening had been carried out. Attempts to contact those involved in their treatment went unanswered.
The BBC identified at least two additional British families treated by the same medical team who also suspect donor mix-ups. DNA tests in those cases also appear to confirm the concerns.
Dr Firdevs Uguz Tip, who was linked to the cases, told the BBC she was not responsible for ordering sperm at the clinic and questioned the reliability of commercial DNA tests. She also stated that she had not performed IVF treatments during the period when Beth and Laura were patients. The clinic where the treatment took place did not respond to requests for comment. Cryos International said that while no system is entirely risk-free, such an error has never been recorded in its 45-year history.
Concerns over regulation
Fertility experts told the BBC that while isolated errors in IVF procedures are rare, repeated incidents involving the same team could indicate negligence or even deception. Dr Ippokratis Sarris said he had never encountered a similar case in the UK and described it as one of the most serious risks in fertility treatment. Northern Cyprus lacks an independent fertility regulator, unlike the UK, where clinics are subject to strict oversight. Local legal experts told the BBC that compliance often depends on individual clinic practices rather than enforced standards.
Additional cases involving egg donors
The BBC also spoke to two further families treated at another clinic established by the same doctor, who believe incorrect egg donors were used. Although the clinic said donor selection was handled internally and that no guarantees were provided regarding donor identity or ethnicity, the families said they believed they had chosen specific donors based on profiles presented to them. DNA tests conducted later appeared to confirm discrepancies.
Impact on families and identity
Experts warn that discovering such discrepancies can have a significant psychological impact on families and children, particularly regarding identity and trust. For Beth and Laura’s children, the revelation that they are not biologically related has been difficult, though it has not affected their bond.
“We’re still a family even if it’s not by blood,” their daughter Kate said.
Beth and Laura say they remain focused on their children’s wellbeing, adding that despite everything, “everyone will be OK.”
Source: BBC