Quite a depressing thread so far

ION, C&P:
France baby-swap families win damages

As Hugh Schofield reports, the swap was only discovered when one of the girls felt she did not look like her father
The families of two French girls who were accidentally switched at birth 20 years ago have been awarded nearly €2m (£1.5m) in damages.

The clinic involved in the mix-up was ordered to compensate both girls - now women - their parents and siblings.

Both babies had been treated in the same incubator and were then given to the wrong parents.

Although the error was discovered 10 years ago, neither family has wanted to swap the girls back.

On Tuesday, the court in Grasse, southern France, ordered the clinic in Cannes to pay €400,000 to each of the girls.

Three parents concerned were awarded €300,000 and the clinic must pay €60,000 each to three siblings.

The figure awarded was less than one-sixth of the €12m the families had sought, but one of their lawyers said they would not appeal.

The lawyer said they were "relieved that the court had recognised the clinic was responsible".

RINK