In October 1990, a mistake at a hospital in Graz, Austria swapped the identities of two prematurely born girls, Doris and Jessica, leaving them to live with non‑biological parents for 35 years.
Mistake at Graz Hospital, October 1990
Two premature babies, Doris and Jessica, were placed in incubators at a hospital in Graz, Austria, where a staff error caused the girls to be swapped and raised by non‑biological parents.
Blood‑Type Discord Uncovers the Error
In 2012 Doris began to suspect something was amiss when a routine blood donation revealed her type did not match her parents’, indicating she could not be their biological child.
Internal Inquiry and DNA Testing
The hospital launched an internal investigation of all children born in 1990 and offered DNA tests to families potentially affected. Doris contacted the media, but finding her biological parents proved difficult until recent results.
Reconnection and Emotional Pain
When Jessica, also pregnant, discovered a mismatch between her own blood type and that of her parents, a doctor who had known Doris’s case suggested they contact each other. The two girls used Facebook to meet.
Parents’ Shock and Unexpected Bond
Doris’s biological mother expressed a sense of “total emotional chaos,” while after meeting Doris the parents felt an immediate chemical bond, affirming their ongoing commitment to their child.
Hospital’s Apology and Compensation
Graz’s hospital director officially acknowledged the mistake and expressed deep regret. Doris’s family had already received a court‑ordered settlement; no comment has been released about Jessica’s family compensation.
