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A DNA test by one of the daughters in Janaury 2023 revealed that the doctor had used another man’s sperm during the IVF process without informing or obtaining consent from the couple. It also came to light that the girl had 16 half-siblings
With the rapid advancements in technology and medical science, couples now often turn to IVF to conceive children. Although the procedure is expensive, it has become a popular solution for those struggling with infertility.
A couple from California also sought help through IVF, and after considerable effort, they welcomed twin daughters. However, years later, a shocking revelation turned their joy into a nightmare, leading to a case of ‘medical rape’ being filed against the doctor involved.
According to a report in The Independent, Jane and John Roe, residents of California, had been married for a long time but were unable to conceive. In 1983, they consulted Los Angeles IVF specialist Dr Hal C Danzer. The doctor suggested IVF, and although the couple tried three times without success, they remained hopeful.
Then, in April 1984, Jane gave birth to twins. Tragically, the newborns survived for only a day. Undeterred, the couple underwent another round of IVF. After significant expense and emotional investment, Jane successfully became pregnant and gave birth to twin daughters in June 1986.
The Shocking Revelation
For years, the family lived happily, until January 2023, when one of the daughters, curious about her ancestry, decided to take a DNA test. The results were shocking as her DNA matched her mother’s but not her father’s. Confused, she confronted her mother, who was equally stunned. Investigations revealed that Dr Danzer had used another man’s sperm during the IVF process without informing or obtaining consent from the couple. This revelation led Jane to file a case of ‘medical rape’ against the doctor, which is now being heard in a California court.
16 Siblings Discovered
The DNA test also uncovered another startling fact that the daughter had 16 biological siblings. Records indicated that the DNA of all these children matched the same father. It became apparent that all the parents had undergone IVF treatment with Dr Danzer between 1971 and 1992, during which he had used the same sperm donor. The siblings, upon discovering each other, contacted their respective families, who were all devastated by the doctor’s unethical actions.
Authorities have classified using someone else’s sperm without consent as ‘medical rape’.