Suspected error at Assuta: Mother claims she gave birth from a sperm donor she did not choose

The Ministry of Health is investigating a report from a single mother stating that there is no genetic match between her two children and the sperm donor she selected during a procedure at Assuta Ramat HaHayal. According to the mother, a genetic test revealed a lack of match between her recently born child and the donor she chose for both pregnancies.

The hospital reported the case on Monday, and the Ministry of Health has since opened an investigation. The ministry is currently examining the details of the case, including the test performed at a private laboratory abroad. In parallel, the case is being professionally reviewed in coordination with Assuta Medical Centers.

The mother, who sought IVF treatment, had selected a donor based on specific characteristics. She gave birth for the first time about three years ago and recently decided to undergo the process again using the same donor. After the birth of her second son, she noticed that the two children did not resemble each other and decided to perform a private DNA test. The results confirmed that while she is the biological mother of both children, there is no genetic match between the second child and the chosen donor.

Lawyers Gilad and Anat Ginzburg, representing the mother, have appealed to the Ministry of Health, demanding the formation of a special investigative committee to examine the incident.

"A short time ago, an inquiry was received from a patient who raised doubts regarding the source of the sperm donation. Upon receiving the inquiry, Assuta immediately reported the matter to the Ministry of Health as required and began an in-depth investigation. At this early stage, it is not yet possible to reach conclusions, and further tests are required," Assuta stated in response.

Assuta has been linked to two major IVF scandals in recent years. The 2022 case of a girl named Sofia involved the implantation of an embryo that was not genetically related to the mother. The error was discovered during pregnancy, and after a prolonged legal battle, the Supreme Court ruled that the girl would remain with the parents who raised her. In another incident at Assuta Ramat HaHayal, suspicions arose that a child born via IVF was not genetically compatible with his father.