The Netherlands

Abstract

In spring 1995, it became obvious that mixed-race twins had been born in the Netherlands as the result of an IVF treatment in early 1994. Subsequently, the incident became worldwide front-page news and shocked the world of assisted conception. A mistake with irremediable and disastrous consequences had taken place in one of the licensed Dutch ART laboratories, which raised questions about their professional practice. A thorough internal inquiry was instigated by the hospital board of directors of the ART laboratory involved. An internal inquiry commission in conjunction with an external ART expert reviewed all laboratory procedures and working methods in an attempt effort to clarify what exactly went wrong. Several possibilities were investigated but the cause could no longer be ascertained. The commission concluded that the IVF procedures practised complied with generally accepted standards in ART laboratories and stated that protocols were in place and adhered to. Nevertheless, the commission also expressed their anxiety and recommended that procedures should be improved and tightened as ART by its very nature requires meticulous attention to detail.