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North Dakota men sue hospital after DNA test reveals they were switched at birth

Created at 18 Jul · 4:31 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Two men in North Dakota are suing Unity Medical Center after a DNA test revealed they were switched at birth nearly four decades ago. The lawsuit alleges hospital staff switched the newborns, leading to both men being raised by the wrong families.

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Key Numbers

January 28, 1988Date of birth for switched newborns
nearly four decadesTime since alleged switch
35 yearsYears raised by incorrect families
up to 18 babies a yearEstimated number of babies switched annually

Who's Involved

Kyle Bylin
One of two men suing after discovering he was switched at birth
Jeremy Morrison
One of two men suing after discovering he was switched at birth
Unity Medical Center
North Dakota hospital accused of switching newborns
Evelyn Newton
Mother who raised Kyle Bylin as her own

↳ Why This Matters

This case highlights the profound and lasting impact of potential medical errors on individuals and families, raising questions about accountability and the challenges of seeking recourse decades after an event.

Key facts

  • Two men, Kyle Bylin and Jeremy Morrison, discovered they were switched at birth nearly 40 years ago.
  • A DNA test revealed the switch occurred at Unity Medical Center in North Dakota on January 28, 1988.
  • The men and their biological parents are suing the hospital for allegedly switching the newborns.
  • Unity Medical Center denies responsibility, citing lost records and the passage of time.
  • Both men have met their biological parents and are adjusting to the new family dynamic.

Two men in North Dakota are suing Unity Medical Center, alleging that hospital staff switched them at birth nearly four decades ago. Kyle Bylin discovered the truth after an at-home DNA test connected him with his biological aunt, whose nephew, Jeremy Morrison, subsequently took a DNA test confirming they had been raised by each other's families.

The lawsuit, filed by Morrison, Bylin, and their biological parents, claims the newborns were switched before leaving the hospital on January 28, 1988, as they were the only babies born hours apart that day. Unity Medical Center has reportedly denied responsibility, stating that due to the passage of time, relevant medical and staffing records are no longer available, and no employees from that delivery team remain with the hospital. The hospital acknowledged the profound impact of the discovery but did not dispute that the switch occurred.

Bylin, who was incorrectly identified as Kyle Bylin on his hospital bracelet, expressed the difficulty of making up for lost time with his biological parents. Evelyn Newton, who raised Bylin, stated that while he will always be her son, she feels robbed of the years she should have had with her biological child. Both men have met their biological parents, describing the reunions as welcoming but awkward. They have spoken by phone but have not yet met in person.

Frequently asked questions

Kyle Bylin and Jeremy Morrison were born on January 28, 1988, at Unity Medical Center.

Kyle Bylin discovered the switch through an at-home DNA test that connected him with his biological aunt. Her nephew, Jeremy Morrison, then took a DNA test which confirmed the switch.

Unity Medical Center denies responsibility, citing the lack of records and staff from that time, but acknowledges the switch occurred.

While relatively rare, it is estimated that up to 18 babies a year may go home with the wrong families, though most switches are caught quickly.

What Happens Next

01The lawsuit against Unity Medical Center will proceed.
02The men and their families will continue to navigate their newly discovered relationships.

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Cadence

How It Developed

Kyle Bylin discovered he may have been switched at birth via an at-home DNA test.
The test connected Bylin with his biological aunt, leading her nephew, Jeremy Morrison, to take a DNA test.
Results confirmed Bylin and Morrison were switched at birth at Unity Medical Center in January 1988.
A lawsuit was filed against Unity Medical Center by Bylin, Morrison, and their biological parents.
Unity Medical Center denied responsibility, citing the passage of time and lack of records.
Bylin and Morrison have met their biological parents and are navigating the complex family dynamics.

Sources

T1
North Dakota men who discover they were switched as newborns sue hospitalThe Guardian

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