"Born but Not Mine": IVF Embryo Transfer Accident in Australia

Monash IVF Admits "Human Error... We Apologize"

A mother in Australia experienced an incident during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure where the embryo was switched, resulting in her giving birth to another couple's child.

On the 11th (local time), according to AP News and others, Monash IVF, a major IVF service company in Australia, announced that a mother who was mistakenly implanted with another couple's embryo at Monash IVF's hospital in Brisbane, Queensland, in northeastern Australia last year, has given birth.

Subsequently, in February, during the process of transferring the remaining embryos to another IVF institution at the mother's request, an additional embryo not recorded in the records was discovered, prompting Monash IVF to launch an investigation. The investigation revealed that another couple's embryo had been mistakenly thawed and implanted into the mother.

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Monash IVF stated, "Despite implementing strict laboratory safety protocols including multi-step identification procedures, it was revealed that a human error occurred," adding, "All Monash IVF staff are deeply saddened and apologize to everyone involved. We will continue to support the patients going through this painful time."

The identities of the mother and child have not been disclosed to protect their privacy.

Amanda Rishworth, Australia's Minister for Social Services, said on a broadcast, "As someone who has had a child through IVF, my heart truly aches," and added, "I cannot imagine the immense pain this family must be experiencing." The Queensland Department of Health also stated, "We will work with Monash IVF to strengthen safety measures in hospitals across Queensland and identify and mitigate all risks."