Assuta Patient Refuses Genetic Test Amid Sperm Donor Mismatch Concerns
An Assuta Ramat HaHayil patient facing a potential sperm donor genetic mismatch refuses further testing. The medical center seeks Ministry of Health guidance.
A patient at Assuta Ramat HaHayil who used a specific sperm donor is reportedly refusing to undergo further genetic testing that could clarify a potential donor mismatch.
The incident came to light a month ago when the Ministry of Health announced that, following a report from the medical center, private genetic testing abroad raised concerns that the biological father of the children may not match the intended donor.
Details of the Case
The mother, who underwent fertility treatments and has a three-year-old child, noticed physical differences in her children after giving birth a month ago, prompting her to arrange a private genetic test. Consequently, questions have arisen over whether her children share the same donor or if a mix-up occurred.
Medical center officials emphasize that document reviews are insufficient, recommending direct genetic testing of the remaining sperm straws. This would verify whether the stored biological material aligns with official registry records.
Medical Center Response
"As part of our commitment to uncovering the truth and based on all checks conducted so far, real-time documentation from the patient's medical file was found to be in order, but further testing is required to determine if an error occurred and its source," stated Prof. Itai Gat, head of the sperm bank at Assuta.
However, the testing has been delayed because the sperm straws legally belong to the patient, and Assuta requires her explicit consent, which has not yet been granted. The medical center has turned to the Ministry of Health for further guidance on how to proceed with the investigation.
