Monash IVF families considering DNA tests

Families that have used to Monash IVF to conceive are “freaked out” and “anxious” amid shock revelations of a second embryo bungle in just two months. Here’s what parents are considering.

Families across Australia that have used IVF to conceive are considering DNA tests to confirm the children are biologically theirs amid shock revelations of a second embryo bungle in just two months.

Monash IVF revealed on Tuesday that it had incorrectly transferred the wrong embryo to a patient.

In April, another woman unwittingly gave birth to a stranger’s baby after Monash IVF implanted another couple’s embryo in a horror mix up in 2023.

Surrogacy and donor conception lawyer Sarah Jefford said some of her clients who were current patients at Monash IVF were feeling “anxious” and “freaking out” about the latest mix-up.

“I think patients who are feeling anxious about this will consider DNA testing and I have been calling for IVF clinics to do more to care for their patients and respond to their anxieties to let them know what their protocols are,” she said.

“Some people are saying that they will move to another clinic, it will be a very individual-based decision.

“If it is a problem of human error – this could potentially happen elsewhere.”

Families are considering DNA testing to ensure babies are theirs.

The latest incident forced the resignation of Monash IVF chief executive Michael Knaap and on Friday afternoon prompted health ministers to order a “rapid review” of IVF regulation.

NSW resident Emily said she had fears for her remaining embryos stored with Monash after the two bungles.

She said her embryos had been moved within Monash about two years ago because the storage facility was changing locations.

This made her worry that something could have happened while they were being transported and she said she’d like assurances an audit was being done.

“I’m happy with the people I deal with within Monash, but it’s not completely foolproof and it does make you worry,” she said.

“I think it would be a good idea for them to do an audit of any embryos that were transported.”

Families that have conceived through Monash IVF are feeling “anxious”.

Several women from NSW have also posted in online IVF support groups and forums, saying that they are considering DNA testing in the wake of the latest bungle.

Emeritus Professor William Ledger, senior fertility specialist at City Fertility in Sydney, said some parents would undertake DNA testing to feel confident that IVF did not create a mix-up for them.

“DNA testing is easy to do … and it will depend on the level of anxiety of the parents,” he said.

“I don’t want trust in IVF Australia to be totally undermined. The clinics work hard to do the best we can and we are very aware that if we make a mistake it’s going to affect 80 years of a patient or child’s life.

“I’m pretty optimistic that the majority of IVF parents will be comfortable with their children.”

Monash IVF acting chief executive Malik Jainudeen said the company was “devastated” about the recent incidents at its Brisbane and Clayton clinics, and the anxiety it may be causing patients.

“I want to reassure you that Monash IVF is committed to providing the highest standards of care and we want to be transparent with you about how we’re responding to the incidents at our Clayton and Brisbane laboratories,” he said.

“We have immediately implemented interim additional verification processes and patient confirmation safeguards, over and above normal practice and in addition to our electronic witnessing systems.”