Israeli Woman Discovers Daughter Was Born From Different Egg Donor Than Chosen

The Israeli Ministry of Health is investigating a suspected failure in fertility treatment after a woman who gave birth via egg donation found out that her daughter was conceived from an egg donor she neither selected nor approved. The couple had chosen a donor based on provided data, embryos were created from the donated eggs, and the woman gave birth about two years ago. Recently, the mother grew suspicious about the donor's identity and discovered the egg used was from a different donor than the one chosen.

The woman contacted the egg donation company involved, one of Israel's largest providers working with numerous hospitals and medical centers. The circumstances behind the discrepancy between the selected donor and the actual donor are still under investigation. This case raises serious questions about identification, documentation, and oversight throughout the fertility process, from donor selection and egg retrieval to embryo creation and implantation.

Legal representative Galit Karner described the situation as "a failure chasing failure with no end in sight," calling for the Ministry of Health to implement effective supervision rather than just committees. Karner noted she has received dozens of inquiries from women worried about the true origins of their embryos and children. The incident adds to a series of recent fertility treatment irregularities in Israel, increasing patient concerns about the control of eggs, sperm, and embryos.

Separately, Dr. Tal Shavit, head of the fertility unit at Assuta Ramat Hahayal Hospital, responded to a similar case involving donor sperm identity discrepancies. While investigations are ongoing, preliminary findings do not indicate systemic failure or broader patient risk. Both cases remain under review by hospitals and the Ministry of Health, highlighting the need for stricter oversight in fertility treatments.