IVF mix-up leaves mother with own babies

Genetic testing has established that the white woman who gave birth to black twins after an IVF treatment error is their biological mother, it was disclosed today.

A man whose sperm might have been used by mistake instead of sperm from the woman’s husband has been identified. The man and his wife were receiving fertility treatment at the same clinic.

The disclosures came in a statement issued by High Court Family Division President Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss, who has the task of sorting out the legal issues raised by the case.

The judge, whose statement was issued through Official Solicitor Laurence Oates in his role as guardian of the legal rights of infants, said: ``In this case a couple, Mr and Mrs A, attended a clinic for fertility treatment and twin children were born.

“Mr and Mrs A were alerted by the appearance of the twins to the possibility of an error in the fertility treatment.

“Genetic testing has established Mrs A is their biological mother, but that Mr A is not their biological father.

“Once the NHS Trust responsible for the clinic became aware of the possibility of an error, it undertook an investigation which is continuing.

“The Trust has identified a man, Mr B, who it is thought might have provided the sperm to Mrs A. He and his wife were receiving fertility treatment at the same clinic.

“The circumstances of this case raise difficult issues relating to the privacy of both families and medical confidentiality. The court is also seriously concerned about the welfare of the children and recognises the importance of the freedom of the press.”