ABC News Daily Another IVF mix-up exposed
Sep 3, 2025
Grace Tobin, an investigative journalist with ABC, delves into the unsettling world of IVF mix-ups. She shares the harrowing story of a Brisbane couple who discovered their newborn didn’t match their chosen sperm donor, exposing serious ethical and procedural flaws in the IVF industry. Tobin emphasizes the urgent need for reform in IVF regulations to protect families, while highlighting shocking incidents that reveal the emotional turmoil faced by parents. This conversation raises critical questions about safety and accountability in fertility practices.
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Couple's Discovery At Birth
- A Brisbane couple used imported US donor sperm and noticed their newborn looked biracial, sparking suspicion of a mix-up.
- The mother posted online and sent a DNA test after fearing the baby might not be biologically hers.
US Donor Mix-Up Confirmed
- Internal reports found the Seattle Sperm Bank mixed two donors who gave samples the same day, one described as Caucasian and one as African-American Nigerian.
- Video footage and DNA testing confirmed the donor samples were swapped before export to Australia.
Imported Sperm Raises Safety Gaps
- Many Australian clinics import donor sperm due to a domestic shortage, exposing patients to different international standards.
- The crucial double witnessing identity check was reportedly absent at the US sperm bank involved.