A reproductive clinic in Australia has confirmed an important error in which a woman gave birth to a child of another couple after the fetal transfer was wrong.
The incident occurred at the Brisbane Clinic of Monash IVF and is being described as a result of “human error”, yet what the company says are strict protocols.
Monash IVF revealed that the mistake was identified in February, after birth, the parents transferred their remaining fetus to another clinic. During that process, an additional feticide was found in storage, promoting an internal probe.
It was then confirmed that a fetus belonging to a separate couple was incorrectly melted and transferred, eventually as a result of the birth of a child.
The Georgia woman says that she is ‘never fully recovered’ after IVF mix-up.
“Monash IVF may confirm an incident in our Brisbane Clinic, where a patient’s fetus was incorrectly transferred to another patient, resulting in a child born.” “Our focus is on supporting our patients through this very distressed time. We have been destroyed about what has happened and apologizes to all the people involved.
“We are really sorry.”
An external view of Monash IVF Clinic in Brisbane, Australia. (AUBC, AP through Channel 9)
The clinic stressed that it was giving priority to the confidentiality of the families involved, including the child, and confirmed that the information being publicly shared has been de-identrated with their knowledge.
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According to the clinic, the situation was extended into senior leadership within hours, motivating immediate investigation.
According to the statement, “The investigation confirmed that a fetus was first melted from a separate patient and transferred to the birth parents, resulting in a child born.” “Investigations also found that despite having strict laboratory security protocols, multi-step identity procedures were being included, a human error was made.”
A laboratory technician is performing in a human egg in vitro fertilization (IVF). (Getty image)
Monash IVF said that its crisis management team became active as soon as the issue was identified. Within a week, the Medical Director of the Brisbane Clinic began a meeting with the affected patients to offer forgiveness and support.
The company said that it regularly conducts compliance audit and is now reviewing a complete process by strengthening safety measures in all its clinics.
Mamat IVF Group CEO Michael Kannap said, “On behalf of Monash IVF, I want to say how much I really are for what has happened. We are all destroyed in Monash IVF and we apologize to all the people involved in it. We will continue to support patients through this very distressed time.” “Since being aware of this incident, we have made additional audit and we are confident that it is a different event.
“We are strengthening all our safety measures in our clinics – we also started an independent investigation and are committed to fully implement its recommendations.”
A technician performs a control check during the IVF process using a microscope. (Getty image)
Monash IVF has not released much information about how the child was returned to the current legal status of the biological parents or the case.
The case resonates a similar incident in the US to incorporate Georgia woman.
In 2023, Kristena Murray treated IVF in coastal breeding experts and gave birth to a child, not biologically her. A DNA test confirmed the error, and after a detention battle, Murray was forced to give his biological parents to the child, a boy.
Murray has since filed a case against the clinic citing emotional crisis and negligence.
It is not clear whether the families involved will be compensated for the Error of the Monash IVF group.
