IVF Sperm Mix Up: Singapore Clinic Apologizes

A sperm mix-up in an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment that resulted in the baby having a different DNA from the supposed father had a Singapore private medical centre apologizing on Thursday for the error. "We fully empathise with the couple, and are very sorry and distressed over what has happened," said Cheng Li Chang, medical director of the Thomson Fertility Centre which runs the clinic involved.

"We have met with them to explain the situation to the best of our knowledge, and we will continue to update them and offer all possible support," he said in a statement dated Wednesday.

The couple made the shock DNA discovery after they were told by their paediatrician that the baby's blood type was B while they were groups O and A, a scientific impossibility if they were the two biological parents.

S. Palaniappan, the lawyer representing the couple, a Chinese Singaporean woman and her Caucasian husband, said the baby remained in their care.

"They discovered it a few days after the birth of the baby. They were informed by the paediatrician that the baby's blood group is B," he told AFP Wednesday.

"So they were a bit surprised because the mother is O and the father is A. Biologically it's not possible when you have such a combination."

A DNA test carried out in a Hong Kong laboratory at the couple's request showed the baby, who was born on October 1, had the mother's DNA but not the official father's, Palaniappan said.

Thomson Medical Centre, which specialises in obstetrics, gynaecology and paediatrics, said it had placed extra checks in its IVF procedures since the incident.

"In our 22 years of operation this is the first such incident and we are taking this very seriously," Cheng said.

Source-AFP