Families show support for doctor

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Dozens of families gathered outside the clinic of a controversial fertility doctor to show their support for him amid allegations over his methods.

About 100 people, made up of about 30 families, went to the clinic of Mohamed Taranissi to back the doctor.

It follows an official investigation by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

A Panorama documentary also claimed a reporter was offered "unproven treatment" at Mr Taranissi's clinic.

Professional jealousy

The protestors brought balloons, bunting, and banners criticising the HFEA and Panorama and backed the doctor's treatments.

Mother of one, Cheryl Hudson, said: "We wanted to really show the support of all the parents that Mr Taranissi has helped because he had an unfair trial on Panorama and they just showed one side of the story.

"We want to show the other side of the story, the wonderful success rate and all the families he's created."

Mr Taranissi, 52, originally from Egypt, said his clinics treat up to 1,700 women a year and have had the highest success rates in the country since 1995.

Asked if he believed his critics were motivated by jealousy, he said: "This may be one of the reasons. It is human nature."