On 3/10/1989, Li Hui and Huang Xiaolin were born 55 minutes apart at Qingyuan People's Hospital in Guangdong province. Despite their families living only about 5 km apart, a hospital error led to the two infants being swapped.
The mix-up was only confirmed in 2025 when DNA test results showed that neither had a biological connection to the parents who raised them for 37 years.
This past error led the two individuals to vastly different circumstances. Huang Xiaolin grew up in a relatively affluent family with parents who were state officials. However, her adoptive father always suspected she was not biologically related due to differences in appearance and blood type. In 1994, her adoptive parents divorced, and Huang Xiaolin moved to live with her adoptive mother after some time with her father.
Meanwhile, Li Hui lived in a farming family. The family's finances declined after her adoptive father was scammed out of all their savings. She had to leave school early, working as a salesperson, receptionist, tour guide, and real estate agent. Since 2019, Li Hui has suffered from a blood disorder, undergone thyroid surgery, and requires long-term medication.
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Childhood photos of Li Hui (left) and Huang Xiaolin. Photo: China Newsweek |
Her adoptive father's suspicions prompted Huang Xiaolin to undergo a DNA test in 2022. The results revealed she was not the biological child of the two individuals who raised her. She reported the matter to the police to find her birth family.
Three years later, police confirmed that Zhu was Huang Xiaolin's biological mother, and Mr. and Mrs. Huang were Li Hui's biological parents. "When I met Huang Xiaolin, I realized she looked very much like my father and brother", Li Hui said.
After learning the truth, Mr. Huang suffered from insomnia, leading to a cerebral hemorrhage and hospitalization. Both Li Hui and Huang Xiaolin stated they do not want to disrupt their current lives. "Perhaps it would have been easier to live if I had never known the truth", Li Hui said.
The two families approached Qingyuan People's Hospital to request archived records but were informed the documents were no longer available. The hospital stated that many medical staff from that time had retired or passed away. The cause of the mix-up is believed to be the rudimentary facilities in 1989, where newborns were marked only by names written on paper tags tied to their blankets.
Li Hui and Huang Xiaolin have sued the hospital, seeking over 2,6 million yuan in compensation for emotional distress, medical expenses, and legal fees. The trial is scheduled for 13/8.
A representative for Qingyuan People's Hospital confirmed that the case has been accepted by the court but declined to comment on the internal investigation process. The hospital stated it would only provide an official response after the court rules on the parties' responsibilities.
Nhat Minh (According to Sina, HK01)
