Two couples in California discovered they were raising each other’s genetic children due to IVF mix up. Should they switch their girls?

[DrPepper12]

FYI: They did end up switching over year long period from when they found out at 3 months. They raised them together (during COVID) as much as they could (amazingly fortunate being 10 minutes away from each other) until kindergarten where they went to separate schools but still have established a relationship of kind of "co parents" and are differentiated by Mom/Mama.

The most difficult part according to both sets of parents was explaining to their older siblings why they were trading away their sister after 3 months of being together.

I think they did the right thing but my God how gut wrenching that must be.

Yes, this is America, so they both sued the fertility clinic and settled out of court.

I would NOT switch AT ALL

I would switch INSTANTLY

I would switch over a set time so everyone can adjust.

I would raise them together as a quasi-step family.

I don't know what I would do TBH. It's unthinkably cruel fate.

[Crimsyjo]

I actually don't know. My first instinct is NO way would I switch...

Then I thought ok it's early at 3 months...

So... I really don't know. You would have to be in the situation with your emotions to know.

I think if you were told there was a mix up but didn't know where your "biological" child was it would be easier but otherwise how can you ignore that fact when u know? Its one thing raising a child not genetically yours but quite another knowing you are abandoning the one that is yours? Upon this deliberation yes I think would have to swap...

[_Andromeda_]

I have thought about this before because there is another story similar to this that happened in South Africa.
They discovered the mixup at about 20 months old, but decided not to switch because they were attached.
The kids grew up knowing about each other and the situation, but as they got older, things got ugly between the two families. One of the kids grew up with more money, so the other one started to resent his upbringing, and wanted the life he was 'suppose to have.' When he was older, he ended up going to live with his biological mom.
So, one of the mothers lost both her biological son and the son she raised, and the other mom got both her son, and the son she raised.
The whole situation seemed sad, messy, and unfair.

So, that story made me realize that I would switch back. Especially if they are still young enough to reform that bond.

[OlderAndWiser]

If the fertility clinic was at fault in causing this mishap, why shouldn't it pay for the harm it has caused?

[LiamJHayden]

Wow, very tough situation. Glad they found something that worked.

[Anonymous]

Yes switch before they get older. My aunt was switched at birth. Was very hard on her. Very hard on my grandparents too. Probably very hard on my real aunt.

[mandyfire98]

Oh god, here we go. More ammunition some how for one political side to attack IVF even further. 😂

[Likes2drive]

Probably switch back as soon as possible