A Brisbane fertility clinic has launched an investigation after a woman gave birth to a stranger's baby.
It was the result of the incorrect transfer of an embryo at Monash IVF’s Brisbane clinic.
The clinic said an initial assessment found the incident occurred due to “human error”.
Monash IVF has said it is “truly sorry” and is now conducting a full review of its processes.
Human error
Monash IVF’s Brisbane clinic was first made aware of the incident in February this year, after a couple requested to transfer their remaining embryos to another IVF provider.
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However, instead of finding the expected number of embryos, “an additional embryo remained in storage for the birth parents”.
An investigation later confirmed that an embryo from a different couple had “been incorrectly thawed” and transferred to the birth parents, resulting in the birth of a child.
Investigation
The clinic said its executive team was alerted within hours, and the regulator later that same week.
In a statement, Monash IVF said an independent investigation is now underway, alongside “full process reviews” of its laboratory safety measures.
The medical group’s CEO, Michael Knaap, said the clinic has apologised to “everyone involved” and that ongoing support will be provided to the parents.
He added that while the clinic is “devastated”, it is confident this was “an isolated incident”.
