Both couples involved in the IVF scandal are said to be haeartbroken and considering legal action against the Melbourne-based firm, Monash IVF, which issued apologies
A woman has unknowingly given birth to a stranger’s baby due to a horrifying mix-up at an IVF clinic. The unnamed mother was implanted with another couple’s embryo because of a “human error” at the Australian medical facility in Brisbane.
The baby is believed to have been born last year as details of the horrifying case are only starting to emerge. Monash IVF discovered the major mistake after the birth parents requested their remaining embryos be transferred to another IVF provider in February.
An additional embryo, which they though had been implanted, was found and both parents were informed of the mix-up. The Melbourne-based fertility firm issued an apology over the error they described as an “isolated incident”.
Monash IVF boss Michael Knaap said: “On behalf of Monash IVF, I want to say how truly sorry I am for what has happened. All of us at Monash IVF are devastated and we apologise to everyone involved.
“We have undertaken additional audits and we’re confident that this is an isolated incident.” The medical firm added that they adhered to strict laboratory safety measures to protect embryos and that the incident was the result of “human error”.
Both couples are said to be heartbroken and considering legal action against the Monash IVF.
The mistake is believed to be the first of its kind in Australia, The Herald Sun reported. The firm said in a statement: “Monash IVF can confirm an incident has occurred at one of our clinics, where the embryo of one patient was incorrectly transferred to another patient resulting in the birth of a child.
“Despite these rigorous protocols, the initial investigation into the incident has found that it was the result of human error.
“Our focus is on supporting our patients through this extremely distressing time. We are devastated about what has happened and apologise to everyone involved.
“While we understand the public interest in this matter, the privacy of the families involved – including the child – has been our priority.
“The information we are providing now is being done in a de-identified way, with their knowledge.”
Australia news outlets reported the baby was born in Brisbane last year. Monash IVF didn’t confirm how old the child was.
Monash IVF opened in 1971 and sees patients in dozens of locations throughout Australia. Last year, the firm settled a class-action lawsuit from more than 700 patients, making no admission of liability, after claims its clinics destroyed potentially viable embryos.
The clinic paid a settlement of 56million Australian dollars (£26million).
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