A Gurugram couple has come forward with a deeply distressing account of an alleged embryo mix-up during In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment, claiming that suspected negligence by a fertility clinic has left their entire family emotionally shattered. Rahul Rathore and his wife Meenu Rathore say they have spent the past three months seeking answers about their biological children and demanding a formal investigation into the incident.

How the Ordeal Unfolded

According to the couple, their IVF journey began last year at a reputed fertility hospital in the region. They followed the standard clinical procedure — semen collection, egg retrieval, and embryo development. On 14 May 2025, the embryos were implanted into Meenu Rathore's womb. She subsequently gave birth to twin daughters in January 2026.

Suspicion arose when the couple noticed sharp physical differences between the infants and themselves. They arranged for DNA profiling of the twins, and the results reportedly confirmed that the children were not their biological offspring. 'Both the maternity and paternity tests were negative,' Rahul Rathore said. He added that the couple still does not know at which stage in the IVF process the alleged embryo swap occurred.

Family in Trauma, Authorities Unresponsive

'Our ageing parents are under immense pain. My father is so traumatised that he has gone completely silent, and my 80-year-old mother is in mental shock. My wife and other family members are struggling very hard to cope with the trauma inflicted on us,' Rahul Rathore said.

He described the couple as emotionally, physically, and mentally drained — not only by the alleged clinical error but also by what they characterise as indifference from authorities, including a medical board they approached for intervention. Meenu Rathore has reportedly begun suffering from memory loss as a result of the prolonged stress.

Legal Action and Demands for Investigation

The couple approached the police and concerned authorities repeatedly over the past three months, but their complaint reportedly received no substantive response. An FIR was registered only after a court directed a probe into the matter. The Rathores are now demanding an inspection of the clinic's embryo and laboratory records, as well as a review of its CCTV footage, to determine when and how the alleged mix-up occurred.

Wider Concerns Over IVF Oversight in India

The case has reignited debate about the adequacy of regulatory safeguards governing fertility clinics in India. The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 lays down standards for IVF clinics, but critics argue that enforcement and independent auditing of embryo-handling protocols remain inconsistent. Notably, this is not the first time an embryo mix-up allegation has surfaced in India, raising questions about whether existing compliance mechanisms are sufficient to protect patients.

The couple has said that if justice is not forthcoming, their lives will be irreparably damaged. As the case moves through the legal system, it is expected to draw renewed scrutiny on how fertility clinics across the country document, label, and handle embryos.