Investigation into IVF clinics in northern Cyprus after UK families given wrong sperm

Authorities in northern Cyprus have announced an investigation following reports from several British families who allege they were provided with incorrect sperm or egg donors during their IVF treatments at clinics in the region. The Ministry of Health in the Turkish-controlled territory confirmed that these complaints are being treated with utmost seriousness and that they are examining whether any violations of existing laws and regulations have occurred.

Northern Cyprus has grown increasingly popular among British patients seeking fertility treatments abroad, largely due to the promise of affordable care, high success rates, and the appeal of a sunny vacation. While European Union regulations do not apply there, the territory does have its own fertility laws, with oversight conducted by its Ministry of Health. However, it lacks an independent fertility regulator like the one present in the UK to enforce standards.

Most affected families have pursued commercial DNA tests, which supported their suspicions of donor mix-ups. In one notable case, a same-sex couple, Beth and Laura, discovered through an accredited test—validated for use in UK courts—that their two children were not biologically related. They had specifically asked the Dogus IVF Centre to use the same donor for both children to ensure a biological link. Despite selecting a donor who had passed rigorous health and psychological assessments, expert analysis by Professor Denise Syndercombe Court from King’s College London concluded neither child was genetically connected to the requested donor and that different sperm donors had been involved. Beth and Laura’s physician at the time, Dr. Firdevs Uguz Tip, denies any culpability, and the clinic has not responded to inquiries from the BBC.

The BBC’s investigation sparked significant backlash in northern Cyprus, with numerous newspapers highlighting the issue and labeling it a “scandal.” Local MP Dogus Derya criticized the lack of oversight of IVF clinics, calling it a serious problem for the country. In response to the inquiry, the Ministry of Health, which had initially not commented, issued a statement through Health Minister Hakan Dinçyürek. He reassured the public that a thorough legal review and investigation are underway and emphasized the ministry’s commitment to rigorously managing the process and taking all necessary legal actions

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