A switched at birth lawsuit in North Dakota has emerged after two men discovered through DNA testing that they were raised by the wrong families. Kyle Bylin and Jeremy Morrison, born hours apart on January 28, 1988, at Unity Medical Center, are now suing the hospital for allegedly changing the course of their lives.
The DNA Discovery That Changed Everything
Kyle Bylin uncovered the truth after receiving an at-home DNA test during a Christmas gift exchange. The test connected him with his biological aunt through a genealogy platform, prompting her nephew, Jeremy Morrison, to take his own DNA test. The results confirmed the two men had been raised by each other’s biological families.
Lawsuit Details Against Unity Medical Center
According to a complaint filed against Unity Medical Center in North Dakota, the men were the only babies born at the hospital just hours apart on January 28, 1988. The lawsuit alleges that, without their parents’ knowledge, the newborns were switched before they left the hospital, with each child being raised by the other’s biological parents. The complaint also names both men’s parents as plaintiffs.
“The employees and/or agents of Unity Medical Center who switched the newborns and then failed to recognize or correct the error were acting within the scope of their employment and/or agency,” the complaint says.
Hospital Response and Denial
Unity Medical Center has reportedly denied responsibility, saying there is no evidence hospital staff caused the switch. However, the hospital doesn’t dispute that the babies were switched at some point. “We recognize the profound impact this discovery has had on them and their families,” Unity Medical said in a statement. “Unfortunately, because of the passage of nearly four decades, the medical and staffing records that might have provided additional clarity no longer exist, and no members of the delivery team from that time are still employed by the hospital.”
Key Evidence in the Case
Bylin, who was born Jeremy Morrison, says he still has the hospital bracelet that incorrectly identified him as Kyle Bylin. This physical evidence is central to the lawsuit. Evelyn Newton, who raised Bylin as her own, stated, “Kyle is still my son – that is never going to change.”
| Plaintiff | Biological Identity | Raised By |
|---|---|---|
| Kyle Bylin | Jeremy Morrison | Evelyn Newton (biological mother of Jeremy) |
| Jeremy Morrison | Kyle Bylin | Bylin family (biological parents of Kyle) |
Takeaways from the Switched at Birth Case
- DNA testing revealed the mix-up nearly 40 years later.
- The lawsuit alleges hospital negligence caused lifelong emotional and familial disruption.
- Unity Medical Center denies fault but acknowledges the switch occurred.
- The case highlights the importance of newborn identification protocols in hospitals.
FAQ
How did the men discover they were switched at birth?
Kyle Bylin took an at-home DNA test during a Christmas gift exchange, which connected him with his biological aunt. This led Jeremy Morrison to take his own test, confirming the switch.
What is the lawsuit against Unity Medical Center about?
The lawsuit alleges that hospital employees switched the two newborns in 1988 without parental knowledge, causing them to be raised by the wrong families. It seeks damages for emotional distress and lost family connections.
Has the hospital admitted responsibility?
No, Unity Medical Center denies responsibility, stating there is no evidence that hospital staff caused the switch, though it acknowledges the babies were indeed switched.