False DNA Results Led to Abortion

A New York woman is suing two DNA testing laboratories alleging a false paternity result led her to terminate a pregnancy and ultimately end her long-term relationship. The 28-year-old, from Yonkers, claims both Winn Health Labs in the Bronx and the DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) in Ohio delivered inaccurate findings, causing immense emotional distress and irreversible consequences.

According to court filings and reports in The New York Post, the woman sought paternity testing after a brief separation from her fiance last year, during which she had a single, protected encounter with another man. Reconciled and pregnant, she wanted confirmation the child was her fiance’s, despite believing it to be true. Initial tests were inconclusive, prompting a second submission to Winn Health Labs in October. The lab reported a 99.99% probability the child was fathered by the other man.

Facing a rapidly approaching 24-week legal limit for abortions in New York, the woman made the agonizing decision to terminate the pregnancy, confessing the brief affair to her devastated fiance. A two-day procedure followed, only for the DNA Diagnostics Center to contact her four months later – on Valentine’s Day – admitting an “IT error” had produced the incorrect result. The other man was not the father.

The couple attempted reconciliation, but the damage proved irreparable, leading to a breakup in March. The woman is now undergoing therapy and pursuing legal action, seeking accountability from the labs and hoping to prevent similar tragedies.

Both labs have issued statements. DDC acknowledged the incident, stating they take immediate action when concerns are raised and appreciate the trust placed in them. However, the four-month delay in correcting the error is deeply troubling.

The lawsuit raises critical questions about the rapidly expanding DNA testing industry, particularly regarding regulation, accuracy, and oversight. While direct-to-consumer DNA tests offer convenience, this case highlights the potential for devastating consequences when errors occur, especially when results inform life-altering decisions. The lack of stringent oversight and the delayed correction of such a crucial mistake are unacceptable. This woman’s experience serves as a stark reminder that while technology advances, human error and a lack of accountability can have profound and heartbreaking repercussions. It’s imperative that regulators and the industry prioritize accuracy and transparency to protect individuals from such devastating outcomes.