Turkish Cypriot health ministry seeks reports over IVF donor allegations

Nicosia, Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriot ‘health ministry’ has called on families who believe IVF clinics in northern Cyprus may have used sperm or egg donors other than those selected or communicated to them to contact it directly.

It said an investigation into allegations concerning IVF centres had been under way since the reports first emerged in the international press.

Call for information

The ministry said it wanted affected parents to come forward to support its investigation, identify similar cases and uncover potential issues.

It urged families in the ‘TRNC’ who underwent IVF treatment involving sperm or egg donation at any centre and have concerns about their treatment, donor information or their child’s genetic origin to contact the ministry.

Cases sought

The ministry said it particularly wanted to hear from people who suspect that the donor they were told about or selected was not used, as well as patients who identified inconsistencies between genetic test results and the donor information provided to them.

It also called on patients with doubts about information supplied during treatment concerning a donor’s identity, characteristics or medical history, and anyone who believes they experienced similar issues while using IVF services in northern Cyprus.

Confidentiality and patient safety

The ministry said both ‘TRNC’ citizens and foreign nationals could submit reports, which would be handled in line with confidentiality and personal data protection principles.

It said patient safety, children’s right to health, access to accurate genetic and medical information, and compliance with legislation governing IVF procedures were fundamental principles.