In a shocking claim, a woman accuses Boston fertility doctor Merle Berger of using his own sperm to impregnate her without consent in the 1980s. Sarah Depoian, the woman involved, was left stunned when DNA test kits from Ancestry.com and 23andMe revealed a familial connection to Berger.
Depoian's lawyer, Adam Wolfe, released a statement, calling the alleged act a "horrific violation". Depoian expressed her trust in Berger, saying, "I still trust Dr. Berger, but I will never fully recover from this attack."
Berger, one of the pioneers of in-vitro fertilization in Boston and a former professor at Harvard Medical School, is accused of using his own sperm in Depoian's insemination, contrary to his earlier claims that an unknown, donor-like assistant's sperm was used.
Depoian's daughter, Caroline, discovered the truth when her DNA test results showed a familial connection to Berger. Caroline was shocked, adding, "It's an extreme understatement to say I was shocked when I found out. The reality feels like it has changed. I am proud of my mother for speaking out, and I am honored to stand by her side."
Berger reportedly admitted to only consenting to insemination with an unknown donor's sperm. Berger's attorney issued a statement to CNN, denying the allegations. The statement expressed Berger's admiration for assisting families in fulfilling their dreams of having children and emphasizing that the alleged incidents occurred during a time before the advent of sperm banks and in-vitro fertilization.
CNN reached out to Berger for comment but has not received a response. Boston IVF also released a statement, asserting that the incident took place before the company existed and emphasizing the evolution of the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility since.
This case has not been without controversy. The US Department of Justice is reportedly examining potential violations of federal laws related to assisted reproductive technologies in connection with Dr. Merle Berger's practices.
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