How WA decides whether to revoke a doctor's license

“Patient A,” as she is identified in court documents, artificially conceived a child at the University of California San Francisco Center for Reproductive Health. 

She had carefully selected the sperm donor – it was the same one used for her other child. 

But she later found out through a genetic database and a private investigator that the doctor who oversaw the procedure, Christopher Herndon, had allegedly used his own sperm in the insemination. 

By the time "Patient A" learned what he had done, Herndon was practicing in Seattle and would continue to practice for five months after Patient A filed a complaint with the state medical commission. 

The case highlights the complicated balance between patients rights and due process for doctors. 

Guest:

Katie Campbell, KUOW editor and reporter

Relevant Links:

KUOW - A Seattle doctor was investigated for fertility fraud. The case highlights tension between patient, physician rights