New BBC revelations alleging that at least 30 children may have been conceived in the north using sperm or eggs from donors other than those selected by their parents have raised serious questions about practices at IVF centres operating there.
Eleven of the children have undergone DNA testing, while around half of the cases examined by the British broadcaster are linked to the Doğuş IVF Centre.
At the same time, the UK's Foreign Office has warned individuals considering fertility treatment in the north that such procedures carry risks and that clinics there are not subject to the same regulatory framework as those in the United Kingdom.
Health Ministry monitoring developments
The case is also being monitored by the Health Ministry of the Republic of Cyprus.
Speaking to Politis, Dr Carolina Stylianou, Senior Hospital Laboratory Officer at the Health Ministry, said this is not the first time allegations have been made concerning IVF centres in the north and the practices they follow.
She stressed, however, that the Health Ministry has no authority to inspect or intervene in centres operating in the north.
At the same time, she underlined that there has so far been no complaint or report involving an IVF centre or clinic in the government-controlled areas engaging in similar practices.
She noted that the Republic of Cyprus operates under a legislative framework with strict controls based on European standards.
One donor per family
The provisions governing the use of donor genetic material in the government-controlled areas are particularly strict.
A key safeguard is the restriction on the use of the same donor for the creation of children in only one family in Cyprus.
The measure limits the risk of multiple children from the same donor being born to different families within the Republic and, consequently, the existence of unknown genetic siblings.
The issue has gained added significance in light of the allegations in the north, as one of the concerns raised by families in the BBC investigation is precisely the possibility that unknown half-siblings may exist.
In addition, under Cypriot law, donors must undergo clinical assessment and the required laboratory testing before their genetic material can be used.
These tests include screening for hereditary, genetic and transmissible diseases.
Following a counselling process, the couple or single woman is entitled to choose the donor whose genetic material will be used, without the donor's identity being disclosed.
Genetic material must be traceable
A central safeguard of the system is traceability.
The legislation requires the movement of reproductive tissue, gametes and embryos to be conducted in a manner that allows tracing from donor to recipient and vice versa.
Medically Assisted Reproduction Units are required to maintain the relevant records, while the Council of Medically Assisted Reproduction maintains a confidential archive containing donor identification details, medical data and other legally required registries.
The traceability requirement also applies to genetic material imported from abroad, which must comply with established quality and safety standards.
No Medically Assisted Reproduction Unit may operate without a licence issued by the competent council.
Licences are valid for three years and are renewed only if the legal requirements continue to be met.
Inspections and penalties
The system extends beyond licensing.
Regular and extraordinary inspections are carried out, with the interval between two inspections not permitted to exceed two years.
Inspectors have the authority to examine facilities, equipment, books, registers, documents and electronic data, while investigations may also be initiated following a written complaint.
Units are additionally required to notify the council without delay of any serious adverse or unexpected incidents related to treatment or the handling of gametes and embryos.
In cases where violations are identified, sanctions go beyond recommendations.
Depending on the nature of the breach, authorities may impose administrative fines, suspend or revoke operating licences, while serious violations can also result in criminal penalties.
Where serious indications of wrongdoing arise, authorities may additionally suspend the use of specific genetic material.
