A Gurgaon couple has levelled serious allegations against a Delhi-based fertility clinic, claiming that a mix-up during an in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedure resulted in one of their twins being biologically unrelated to either parent.
The allegations surfaced after the couple reportedly conducted a DNA test following the birth of their twins on January 5. According to complainant Rahul Rathore, the results indicated that one child did not share a biological relationship with either him or his wife, raising suspicions of an embryo or baby swap during the IVF process.
The matter has now escalated into a legal battle, with an FIR registered after court intervention.
DNA test triggered the family's suspicions
According to Rathore, the IVF treatment was conducted at a fertility clinic in Delhi's Greater Kailash area. He stated that semen collection and egg retrieval took place on February 13, while embryo transfer was carried out on May 14.
According to The Times of India, the couple initially became suspicious after noticing that one of the twins did not resemble anyone in the family. This prompted them to undergo independent DNA testing.
Rathore claimed the findings ruled out both maternity and paternity in relation to one child, pushing the family to seek answers from the clinic and authorities.
He argued that after investing around Rs 5 to 6 lakh in the IVF procedure and undergoing multiple medical interventions, seeking a DNA test was a reasonable step.
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Delays in action forced court intervention
According to The Times of India, the complainant alleged that he first approached the fertility clinic on January 7 and later escalated the matter to the Union Health Ministry in February.
He said the issue was subsequently taken to the State Assisted Reproductive Technology Department in March, but no concrete action followed.
According to Rathore, repeated appeals to the police also failed to produce results for nearly three months.
The FIR was eventually registered only after a court directed authorities to do so. However, he claimed that a stay order was placed on the investigation shortly afterwards, further slowing down the process.
He also alleged that despite submitting evidence and appearing before the court, officials remained focused on procedural aspects rather than investigating the core allegations.
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Case raises questions over IVF regulation in India
The controversy has once again drawn attention to India's rapidly growing assisted reproductive technology sector and the need for stronger safeguards.
While India enacted the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act to standardise fertility treatments and ensure accountability, experts have repeatedly highlighted challenges surrounding implementation and monitoring.
Cases involving alleged embryo mix-ups remain extremely rare but carry profound emotional, legal and ethical consequences for families.
At present, the allegations made by the Gurgaon couple remain unverified independently, and authorities have not publicly commented on the claims against the fertility clinic.
The investigation is ongoing, and the case is likely to renew discussions around patient rights, clinic accountability and the oversight mechanisms governing fertility treatment centres in India.
