Today in Focus

A rogue fertility clinic, stolen eggs, and an unlikely friendship

Jul 7, 2025
Jenny Kleeman, a Guardian journalist specializing in the fertility industry, uncovers a shocking IVF clinic scandal involving stolen eggs. Renee Ballou, one of the victims, shares her emotional journey and the unexpected friendship she formed with Carol Lieber Wilkins, the woman who received her eggs. Carol, who became a therapist for donor-conceived families, discusses the complexities of motherhood in this context. Together, they explore themes of betrayal, identity, and the healing power of connection amidst unconventional family dynamics.
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INSIGHT

The Shocking Story of Stolen Eggs in a Fertility Clinic Scandal

In the 1980s and '90s, a fertility clinic in California, led by doctors Ricardo Ash and Jose Balmaceda, gained worldwide fame using a technique called GIFT. However, it was discovered that the clinic was stealing eggs from sedated women without their consent and using them to impregnate other women, resulting in at least 15 live births from stolen eggs.

The scandal was uncovered through whistleblower documents revealing this egregious breach of trust, yet the doctors never fully admitted culpability and faced limited legal consequences, with some fleeing the country. Remarkably, amidst this tragic violation, two women affected by this developed an extraordinary friendship, showcasing compassion and respect despite their complex connection through the child born from stolen eggs.

This story highlights the Wild West nature of early fertility treatments, the lack of regulatory safeguards, and the profound personal impact on families involved.

ANECDOTE

Renee's Fertility Journey

  • Renee Ballou underwent fertility treatment at UCI Irvine but was not successfully pregnant after surgery.
  • She was later told she was pregnant just after anesthesia but tests proved otherwise.
INSIGHT

Egg Theft at Fertility Clinic

  • Eggs were stolen from sedated women without consent and used to impregnate other patients.
  • This was an outrageous breach of trust and a traumatic violation for donor women.
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