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Beloved Ottawa fertility doctor faces hearing over allegations of sperm mix-up

In vitro fertilization has been performed since the 1980s; and each year, doctors have learned more and can give families more choices. Dr. Manny talks with the program director for the NYU Fertility Center about new techniques that result in more pregnancies the first time around

A much-honoured Ottawa doctor is facing disgrace over allegations he artificially inseminated three women with the wrong sperm.

Dr. Bernard Norman Barwin, a gynecologist and operator of the Broadview Fertility Clinic, goes before a hearing Thursday before the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Barwin will answer claims that the babies his patients bore were not related biologically to their husbands or, in one case, a chosen sperm donor, The Canadian Press reported.

According to the college, Barwin voluntarily withdrew from practicing artificial insemination last February.

Until a few years ago, Barwin, 71, enjoyed high standing in his specialty. He was named to the Order of Canada in 1997 for his "profound impact on both the biological and psycho-social aspects of women’s reproductive health," CP reported.

He was also active in the pro-choice movement and endowed an annual scholarship for graduate students studying sexual health and reproductive rights.

[ Related: Singapore fertility centre fined due to sperm mix-up ]

But his long career splintered with the allegations of three patients.

CP reported that the college alleges one woman, identified as "Patient A," became pregnant after being inseminated by Barwin but later found out the child was not related to the sperm donor she'd selected.

In another case, a woman dubbed "Patient C" thought she was receiving sperm from her sister's husband but the child she produced was not related to the man, CP said.

The women weren't named but CP reported the details in the college's notice of hearing match those of two women, Trudy Moore and Jacqueline Sinn — who sued Barwin and his clinic for malpractice. The cases were settled a couple of years ago without going to trial.

The Globe and Mail reported in 2010 that a lesbian couple also sued Barwin and the clinic in 1995 over allegations he had used the wrong sperm. That case, too, was settled out of court.

Barwin's son, Gary, made a spirited defence of his father in the wake of the most recent suits, saying in a 2010 blog post that he was the subject of "outrageous claims and innuendo."

"I don't know what else is in the media or on the internet about my father, Dr. Norman Barwin, but I know the values that he lives by, and what he values," Gary wrote. "These will not change, no matter what is said or claimed."

The doctor also received high ratings at RateMDs.com, CP reported. The words caring, respectful and knowledgeable show up as recently as last April, after Barwin's troubles became public knowledge.

"Will I change doctor's now considering what he is being accused of? Absolutely not!!!" said one 2010 comment on the site.

"He has helped me tremendously. Did he not give you what you wanted? He is the most caring, kind, sensitive gentle man I know. Move on! Let him continue to use his expertise in our community."

If the college hearing finds Barwin committed professional misconduct or was incompetent, he faces a range of sanctions from a reprimand, fine or restrictions on his practice on up to suspension or loss of his medical licence.