Anna Collinson

An estimated 30 children, mostly born to British parents after IVF treatment in northern Cyprus, may have been conceived using sperm or eggs from donors other than those selected by their parents. DNA testing found that 11 of 30 tested children had genetic ancestry inconsistent with the promised donor profiles, with many cases linked to Doğuş IVF Centre. Parents allege they were misled about donor identity, medical history and the use of Cryos International sperm. The clinic’s owner Şevket Alptürk did not respond, while doctor Firdevs Uğuz Tip denied wrongdoing and said the procedures were lawful. Cryos said it had never supplied sperm to Doğuş, blacklisted the clinic in 2016 and suspended work with related clinics pending an investigation. The case has prompted concerns about systemic negligence or fraud and led the UK Foreign Office to warn that fertility treatment in northern Cyprus carries risks because of limited regulation.

At least 30 children, most believed to be British, may have been conceived at fertility clinics in northern Cyprus using sperm or egg donors different from those selected by their parents. Eleven children’s commercial DNA tests indicate Turkish or nearby regional ancestry despite parents being promised screened Western European donors. Fifteen cases are linked to Dogus IVF Centre, where allegations involve owner Dr Sevket Alpturk, doctor Dr Firdevs Uguz Tip and patient co-ordinator Julie Hodson; further cases are linked to clinics associated with Firdevs. Cryos International says it never supplied sperm to Dogus, blacklisted the clinic in 2016 and has suspended cooperation with Miracle IVF. Experts describe the scale of the suspected errors as evidence of possible negligence or deception, while northern Cyprus’s Ministry of Health has launched an investigation but provided no update. The UK Foreign Office now warns that fertility treatment in the territory carries risks because of limited regulation.

At least 30 children, most British, may have been conceived through IVF in northern Cyprus using sperm or egg donors different from those selected by their parents. Half of the cases are linked to Dogus IVF Centre, where staff members Dr Firdevs Uguz Tip, Dr Sevket Alpturk and patient coordinator Julie Hodson were repeatedly involved. DNA tests from 11 children indicate ancestry inconsistent with the donors parents were promised, while Cryos International says it never supplied sperm to Dogus and blacklisted the clinic in 2016. Fertility experts say the scale suggests negligence, deception or a systemic problem. Northern Cyprus's Ministry of Health says it launched an investigation but has provided no substantive update, while the UK Foreign Office has warned that fertility treatment there carries risks because of weak regulation.