Mums In Russia Forced To Swap Baby Boys

March 31, 2009 by tanya
Filed under: News

Two toddlers in Russia have been exchanged after a hospital mix-up was discovered in the city of Mtsensk.

Authorities have ordered that the Chechen and Russian mothers of the two-year-old boys swap their sons after DNA tests proved their true identities.

The mistake was discovered when Anna Androsova found that her baby’s ID tag had Zarema Taisumova as the mother’s name.

When Ms Androsova met the Chechen mother, she knew he was her son immediately. Ms Taisumova denied claims of any physical resemblance, and refused to swap the infants.

After DNA tests substantiated her claims, initially, Ms Androsova had wanted to keep the boy which she had looked after for two years. She later changed her mind and decided to take the matter to court.

Ms. Taisumova appeared on Russian television and said she was still in shock, and would continue to love the other boy.

Both children have had their names changed, and are reported to be having trouble adapting to their new surroundings and family. Other siblings are also finding it hard accepting the changes - with one elder brother saying that he preferred his ‘old’ brother more.

Lack of staff has been given as the reason for the mix-up by the hospital. The nurse responsible has since been sacked.