Baby swap allegations sparks government reaction

The Queensland government will move to strengthen laws to better protect IVF families as a devastated couple sues the state’s fertility giant over allegations of a sperm swap blunder

The Queensland government has promised to strengthen laws to better protect IVF families following the Courier Mail’s explosive report on a devastated couple suing the state’s fertility giant over allegations of a sperm swap blunder.

A government spokesman has revealed both the health and justice departments will work with affected families and industry experts, to ensure “Queenslanders will be protected by law and this never happens again”.

It comes as The Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee (RTAC) revealed that next month they will conduct a company wide audit of Queensland Fertility Group clinics, the company at the centre of the Supreme Court allegations levelled at them by Anastasia and Lexie Gunn.

Lexie and Anastasia Gunn are suing Queensland Fertility Group over an alleged sperm swap blunder. Picture: Luke Marsden.

The couple claims their family has been destroyed, as they allege the wrong sperm was used to conceive two of their sons through IVF. They fear other parents could have been caught up in a sperm swap error.

The day after the Gunns told their story they received an email from RTAC revealing that the the auditor would be provided with all correspondence the Gunns had with QFG, which is not normal practice for the Committee.

The audit will include QFG’s management of the complaint process and documentation, its policies and procedures in place in regards to identification and traceability, and the processes that are in place for RTAC notification of adverse events.

The Gunns’ claim these were all stumbling blocks in their bid for answers from the clinic.

RTAC is charged with the responsibility of setting standards for the performance of ART through an audited Code of Practice and the granting of licences to practice ART within Australia.

The Queensland government spokesman said that it was important for donor conceived people to know their genetic origins.

“Which is why in February this year we announced our support in principle for all six recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry, including establishing a central donor conception register,” the spokesperson said.

“Currently Queensland follows the National Health and Medical Research Council’s ethical guidelines for assisted reproductive technology, however as the part of the consultation for the donor registry, the Health department will work with the Department of Justice & Attorney-General (DJAG) on options on how Queensland could strengthen its regulation to better protect Queenslanders.

“As part of that consultation, we will work with affected families and industry to ensure Queenslanders will be protected by law and this never happens again.”

Anastasia Gunn said that she welcomed the potential changes but any laws must keep the interests of donor conceived children as the focus.

“I hope the government makes this happen not only for my children but for all children,” she said.