Israeli Fertility Patient Discovers Child Has Different Biological Father After Hospital Mix-Up

A woman who underwent fertility treatments at Assuta Medical Center in Ramat Hahayal, Tel Aviv, recently discovered that her second newborn child does not share the same biological father as her first child, despite both being conceived using the same sperm donor. The treatments began about three years ago, and after the birth of her first son, she gave birth to a second son this month. Noticing a lack of resemblance between the siblings, the mother conducted a DNA test which revealed zero paternal chromosome match, indicating the second child was fathered by an unknown man, not the selected sperm donor.

The woman’s lawyers, Anat and Gilad Ginzburg, reported the case to the Ministry of Health, stating the discovery has devastated their client, who now has no information about the biological father’s identity, genetic background, health, or personal traits, including religion. Following the complaint, Assuta initiated a thorough investigation and is cooperating with the Ministry of Health. The hospital emphasized that the case is under early review and further tests are needed before conclusions can be drawn.

This incident adds to previous fertility-related errors at Assuta’s facilities, including a case in Rishon Lezion and another in Ramat Hahayal where parents found their children were not genetically related to the presumed father. Despite assurances from the Ministry of Health and Assuta that protocols have been tightened and oversight increased, this new case raises concerns about ongoing lapses in fertility treatment procedures. The hospital is currently trying to identify the biological father among thousands of men treated at the fertility department, who may be unaware of their paternity.

Assuta stated it is managing the investigation transparently and in coordination with health authorities. The Ministry of Health confirmed the matter is under active examination.