In October 1990 an Austrian hospital in Graz mistakenly exchanged two premature girls, Doris and Jessica, who were raised by unrelated parents; the error became public after over three decades.
The 1990 Hospital Mixup
In October 1990 a pediatric ward in Graz, Austria, mistakenly swapped two premature babies, Doris and Jessica, who were placed into incubators. The error left the newborns with parents who were not biologically related.
Early Signs of Mistake
In 2012 Doris began to suspect something was wrong when a blood donation revealed her blood type did not match that of her parents, proving they could not be her biological parents.
Internal Investigation
The hospital launched an internal inquiry into all children born in 1990, offering DNA testing to families that might have been affected. Doris publicly raised the issue, yet locating her biological parents proved difficult for years.
Reconnection Through Blood Groups
While pregnant, Jessica discovered the same mismatch in her blood type. A doctor who had learned Doris’ story linked the clues, and Jessica reached out to Doris via Facebook, initiating contact between the sisters.
Emotional Reactions
Doris described the reunion as “incredibly good and indescribable,” while Jessica said she felt as if she had “a sister for 35 years” – a mixture of awe, beauty, and pain. Both sisters and their families described the experience as “total emotional chaos,” yet sensed an instant bond.
Hospital Apology and Compensation
The Graz hospital confirmed the mistake, expressing deep regret. Doris’s family had already received court‑ordered compensation; it is unclear whether Jessica’s family will also receive restitution, as the hospital’s lawyer declined to comment.