Secunderabad: DNA test shows IVF center swaps sperm, couple to take legal action

Hyderabad: In a disturbing case of alleged medical malpractice, a couple who underwent IVF treatment at a fertility clinic in Secunderabad discovered, months after the birth of their child—that the baby was not biologically related to the father.

The shocking revelation came after a DNA test, which was prompted by the child’s unexpected cancer diagnosis.

The couple has filed a police complaint, leading to raids on Srushti Test Tube Baby Clinic in Gopalapuram and the seizure of key medical records. The case has raised serious concerns about unethical practices in fertility treatment.

Child diagnosed with Cancer, parents seek answers

The couple, who had been battling infertility, approached Srushti Clinic for in vitro fertilisation. According to the complaint, they clearly instructed doctors to use the husband’s sperm for conception. The procedure was carried out, and the woman conceived successfully.

Months after the birth, the child began experiencing health complications. Initially attributing the symptoms to common post-IVF concerns, the parents consulted other medical experts. A comprehensive check-up revealed that the child was suffering from cancer—a condition for which neither parent had a family history.

DNA test reveals paternity mismatch

Alarmed by the diagnosis, the parents returned to the clinic to seek an explanation. When the clinic staff reportedly failed to provide satisfactory answers, the couple decided to go for a legal DNA test. The results confirmed their worst fears: the husband was not the biological father of the child.

The couple immediately approached Gopalapuram police and filed a formal complaint, alleging that the clinic had used donor sperm without their knowledge or consent.

FIR filed, clinic raided

Following the complaint, police registered an FIR against the clinic and its doctor, Dr. Narmada. On Saturday, North Zone DCP S. Rashmi Perumal, along with revenue officials, conducted a raid at the clinic. Authorities seized patient case files and a list of sperm donors, covering several years of clinic operations.

Preliminary findings suggest that the doctors used an anonymous donor’s sperm despite the couple's explicit request to use the husband's. Officials are now verifying if similar violations have occurred in other cases.

Investigation widened to past patients

The police are also contacting women who underwent IVF at the same clinic to assess if more victims were unknowingly subjected to similar malpractice. A full audit of the clinic’s procedures and patient records is underway.

Authorities said further details would be shared after evidence is fully examined and witness statements are recorded.