IVF clinic in Lefkoşa responds to allegations of donor mix-ups

The Doğuş Tüp Bebek Merkezi clinic in Lefkoşa has commented on BBC reports about the possible use in some cases of donor sperm or eggs that differed from those selected by patients. The BBC previously reported on at least 30 children, most of whom are believed to be British citizens. Around half of the cases mentioned are linked to procedures carried out at the Doğuş clinic between 2012 and 2024.

The clinic's response was presented by its director, Dr Şevket Alptürk. He said that the medical centre operates under a permit from the Ministry of Health and that the procedures carried out comply with current legislation. At the same time, Alptürk accused the BBC of political motivations behind its reports and said that some of the online resources mentioned in the journalists' reports had no connection to him or the clinic.

He also said that the clinic had not received official notification of being included on the blacklist of donor sperm bank Cryos International. The BBC, for its part, based its reports about possible donor mix-ups, among other things, on statements from families and the results of DNA tests.

The authorities in Northern Cyprus previously announced an investigation into similar allegations and urged families who had undergone treatment using donor material to contact the Ministry of Health if they had any concerns.

Thus, the official examination of the circumstances is continuing. The validity of the allegations concerning specific procedures must still be established through medical, laboratory and other documents.