Israeli Health Ministry Probes Fertility Clinic Over Egg Donation Mix-Up Allegation

The Israeli Ministry of Health is investigating a suspected fertility clinic error after a woman claimed her daughter, born two years ago via egg donation, was not from the donor she had originally selected. The couple had undergone fertility treatment several years ago, relying on donated eggs to conceive. The woman alleges that the child she gave birth to was conceived from a different donor, one she neither chose nor was screened by.

The woman approached Rafael Care, one of Israel's largest egg donation agencies working with many hospitals, to clarify the situation. She received conflicting information from the company and subsequently filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Health through her attorney, Galit Karner. This case highlights ongoing concerns about the lack of oversight and accountability in Israel's fertility treatment market.

Rafael Care responded by emphasizing their role in managing and coordinating egg donation processes alongside medical teams and IVF laboratories. They acknowledged the seriousness of patients' concerns regarding donor data and embryo origins. The company stated that when questions arose in 2026 about the donor information related to embryos created in 2023, treatment was paused and a thorough investigation was conducted with medical and laboratory staff. The Ministry of Health reviewed the matter and authorized continuation of treatment with the existing embryos, subject to patient consent and medical team decisions.

The agency detailed that donor matching involves multiple professional steps, including medical, genetic, and phenotypic data assessments aligned with patient preferences. They asserted that donor identification and documentation are based on verified codes and medical records, and that the donor selection complied with accepted professional standards. Due to privacy and confidentiality obligations, Rafael Care declined to disclose further personal details about the patient, child, or donor.

The company stressed its commitment to responsibility, transparency, and sensitivity toward patients, and said it continuously reviews and improves its procedures, documentation, and information sharing with all professional parties involved.