In vitro fertilization (IVF) has become an increasingly common way for parents to conceive children, with clinics located nationwide offering help and hope for couples unable to conceive on their own. In fact, according to the CDC, there were more than 78,000 babies born as the result of fertility clinics’ use of reproductive technologies in 2017. In most cases, when IVF is successful, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Unfortunately for one couple, the IVF experience resulted in heartache and questions. CBS News reports that Kristina Koedderich and then-husband, Drew Wasilewski, turned to a New Jersey clinic, the Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science at St. Barnabas for the procedure.

Ultimately, IVF was successful and Kristina gave birth in 2013 to a baby girl. The clinic was to have used Drew’s sperm and Kristina’s egg. However, their daughter was apparently conceived using another man’s sperm. Drew and Kristina, both white, suspecting something wasn’t right when they realized their daughter looked Asian. A DNA test confirmed that the child was Kristina’s biologically but had no biological ties to Drew.

In addition to the heartbreak Drew experienced upon learning that his daughter was not biologically related to him, he was left with questions about whether the clinic’s apparent mistake meant that other couples could be raising his biological children, unaware of the situation.

The couple has filed a lawsuit against the clinic, although they recognize that even a best-case scenario outcome won’t give them a child biologically related to both of them. The NJ clinic, and others like it around the country, could be forced to adhere to more stringent standards so future parents wouldn’t have to endure this tragic scenario.

At the Surrogacy Law Center, we help protect our clients’ rights throughout the assisted reproduction process. Contact our office today to learn more!