Monash IVF Halts Donor Treatments in NSW Amid Record Review
Sydney, NSW – Monash IVF has paused all donor conception treatments at its New South Wales clinics as it undertakes a comprehensive review of patient records following recent embryo mix-up incidents. The suspension,announced today,impacts at least 50 families or women undergoing treatment,sparking widespread distress and calls for greater regulation of the fertility industry.
The move comes after Monash IVF publicly apologised for two separate embryo mix-ups earlier this year – one in Brisbane and another in Melbourne. In one case, a patient was mistakenly implanted with another woman’s embryo and afterward gave birth to a child with no genetic link to her. A second incident involved a patient receiving her own embryo instead of her partner’s, as originally planned.
“It’s very distressing. Peopel are now questioning everything … [and saying] ‘I thought I was going to a professional industry that’s highly regulated,'” said one affected woman, who wished to remain anonymous. “They’re all unsure and don’t understand how it couldn’t be regulated.”
Monash IVF confirmed that families who have already used donated material resulting in the birth of a child will not be impacted and can continue treatment. the company stated the review is a precautionary measure to ensure the accuracy and integrity of its processes.
Australia’s IVF industry is experiencing rapid growth,with over 100,000 treatment cycles occurring annually. The recent incidents have intensified scrutiny of the sector, prompting demands for increased transparency and simplified regulations to prevent similar errors in the future.
Monash IVF’s declaration follows a period of important turmoil for the company, including an ASX announcement regarding the incorrect embryo transfer in Clayton, Melbourne, on June 10th. The company is cooperating with relevant authorities during the review process.
