IVF Mix-Up: Families Seek Peace with DNA Tests

0:00I'm Cory with the story, and this is your Pulse of the City, Sydney News Today. A historic embryo mix-up at Royal North Shore Hospital's fertility clinic in 1995 has families from that era on edge. Twin girls were born to the wrong mother after the error, and it only came to light last year when one twin used the genealogy website. Now, another parent who conceived of the same clinic just months earlier says their family plans to do DNA tests for peace of mind. His parent called the news unnerving, and expects other families from around that time to follow suit, may be checking sites like Ancestry.com. Though confident their child is theirs biologically, the revelation has shaken them deeply. Many parents and kids from 1990 IVF treatments are feeling anxious, according to embryologists Lucy Lines. She warns that cheap DNA tests and popular genealogy sites will likely uncover more past mistakes, even if they're rare today with better safety. Lines urge his families to think hard before testing and to seek counseling if needed.

1:04No apologies or support came to the affected families until now, due to disputes over who ran the clinic back then. The hospital blames a private company that took over in 1994, now part of a bigger IVF firm. Today, New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park stepped in, offering counseling and help regardless of blame. He called the situation traumatic and assured open support for those impacted while questions linger about whether this was truly an isolated incident. DNA is brought to you by our sponsor. Soley Pillow is a pillow with built-in headphones, lay back, press play, and disappear into what you are listening to. S-O-L-I, soleypillow.com.