Reaction to the media coverage concerning the exchange of sperm samples in 1994
Following the media coverage on VRTNWS regarding a mix-up of sperm samples in 1994, UZ Brussel acknowledges that an error occurred in 1994, during the ICSI procedure for this family, whereby a semen sample from another intended father was used. UZ Brussel suspects that this took place within the laboratory procedures. We regret that this could have happened.
We are aware of the major impact this situation has had on the lives of Siska and Wout, as well as on those of their family. We understand the emotions this may arouse.
We are providing our full cooperation and are doing our best to answer their questions, while respecting the privacy and medical confidentiality regulations of all parties potentially involved. For example, UZ Brussel has offered to make a joint application to the court to obtain permission to disclose the identity of the potential biological father.
We understand that this situation may also raise questions for other (future) parents who have been cared for at UZ Brussel. On the basis of the information available to us, no other similar errors have occurred at our centre.
Over the years, UZ Brussel has continued to evaluate and adapt its patient identification procedures. Since 2011, UZ Brussel has been using the electronic witness system, which makes every step traceable and verifiable, so that we can be 100% certain that each egg, sperm and embryo belongs to the (future) parents concerned at all times.
Parents or children who have any questions about their treatment or parentage can contact us at the following address: afstamming@uzbrussel.be
Karolien De Prez