Health Min. reviews possible sperm donor genetic mismatch at Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv

Israel's Health Ministry is examining a potential genetic mismatch related to a sperm donor used in fertility treatments. The review was initiated after a patient raised concerns, prompted by a private genetic test conducted abroad, about whether the donor was a proper genetic match for conception.

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A short time ago, we received an inquiry from a patient who raised doubts regarding the source of the sperm donation she had selected and from which her child was born.

Assuta Medical Center in Tel Aviv reported the case to the ministry, stating that a patient recently inquired about the origin of the sperm donation used to conceive her child. The hospital has launched its own in-depth investigation and is cooperating fully with the Health Ministry. Assuta emphasized that it is too early to draw conclusions, as further tests are required.

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Upon receiving the inquiry, Assuta immediately reported the matter to the Health Ministry, as is standard practice, and opened an in-depth investigation into the case.

This incident brings renewed attention to Assuta's fertility services. In 2022, a high-profile case involved a woman who discovered the fetus she was carrying was not genetically related to her or her husband due to an embryo mix-up at Assuta Hospital in Rishon Lezion. The legal proceedings concluded with the child remaining with her birth parents. Subsequently, the Health Ministry revoked the licenses of two senior staff members at that facility.

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At this early stage, it is not yet possible to reach conclusions, and additional tests are required. Assuta is in direct contact with the patient and will conduct the review process transparently and in full coordination with the Health Ministry.