A fertility clinic has acknowledged a significant error in which a woman delivered a child belonging to another couple due to a flawed embryo transfer.

The incident, which occurred at Monash IVF’s Brisbane facility, is attributed to “human error,” despite the clinic’s claim of having stringent protocols.

Monash IVF disclosed the error’s discovery in February, after the biological parents requested the transfer of their remaining embryos to a different clinic. The discovery of an additional embryo in storage prompted an internal inquiry.

The investigation confirmed that an embryo from another couple had been mistakenly thawed and transferred, leading to the birth of a child.

“Monash IVF confirms that an incident occurred at our Brisbane clinic where a patient’s embryo was incorrectly transferred to another, resulting in a birth,” the clinic stated to Digital. “Our priority is supporting the affected patients during this incredibly difficult time. We are deeply sorry for what happened and apologize to all involved.”

“We are truly sorry.”

The clinic emphasized its commitment to protecting the privacy of the families, including the child, and affirmed that any publicly shared information has been anonymized with their consent.

According to the clinic, the situation was promptly reported to senior management, triggering an immediate investigation.

“The investigation confirmed that an error had occurred in which an embryo was incorrectly thawed and transferred to the birth parents, resulting in the birth of a child,” the statement read. “The investigation also revealed that despite the presence of strict laboratory safety protocols, including multi-step identification processes, a human error was committed.”

Monash IVF stated that its Crisis Management Team was activated immediately upon identifying the issue. Within a week, the Medical Director of the Brisbane clinic began meeting with the affected patients to offer support and apologies.

The company stated it conducts regular compliance audits and is now performing comprehensive process reviews while reinforcing safeguards across all clinics.

“On behalf of Monash IVF, I extend my sincerest apologies for what has occurred. Everyone at Monash IVF is devastated, and we apologize to all parties involved. We will continue to support the patients during this extremely distressing time,” stated Monash IVF Group CEO Michael Knaap. “Since becoming aware of this incident, we have conducted additional audits and are confident that this is an isolated occurrence.”

“We are reinforcing all our safeguards across our clinics – we also commissioned an independent investigation and are committed to implementing its recommendations in full.”

Monash IVF has not provided further details regarding the child’s return to the biological parents or the case’s current legal status.

The case is reminiscent of a similar incident in the U.S. involving a Georgia woman.

In 2023, Krystena Murray underwent IVF treatment at Coastal Fertility Specialists and delivered a baby who was not her biological child. A DNA test verified the error, and following a custody dispute, Murray was required to relinquish the child, a boy, to his biological parents.

Murray has since filed a lawsuit against the clinic, alleging emotional distress and negligence.

It remains unclear whether the families involved will receive compensation for Monash IVF Group’s error.

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