Claims clinic knew they were ‘throwing away normal embryos’
Multiple sources connected to Monash IVF claim the introduction of a controversial test that saw potentially viable embryos destroyed caused division within senior ranks, as heartbroken families consider a class action lawsuit.
Victoria
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Doctors inside Monash IVF raised concerns about the accuracy of its now suspended genetic screening test before it was introduced for fertility patients across Australia.
The revelations come as lawyers prepare for a potential class action seeking compensation for families who may no longer be able to have children, or face the prospect of more rounds of IVF.
Dozens and possibly more Monash IVF patients have now learned their embryos may have been incorrectly classified as abnormal and discarded due to errors with the fertility giant’s non-invasive preimplantation genetic screening test.
Despite repeated requests, Monash IVF is yet to disclose how many women have been impacted by the bugled test, which is now being investigated by federal and state medical authorities.
A Herald Sun investigation can reveal several of Monash IVF’s own doctors raised strong concerns over the non-invasive PGT-A test before it was introduced by Group Medical Director Professor Luk Rombauts in May 2019 and hailed as the “holy grail”.
One medical source connected to Monash IVF claims several specialists fought against the tests’ introduction because the clinical trial data they had showed it was only 90 per cent accurate - meaning 10 per cent of the embryos identified as “abnormal” were actually healthy and had no reason to be discarded.
“Voices inside and outside Monash (IVF) raised concerns about the test being launched,” the source said.
“Even at launch they knew they were throwing away normal embryos.”
When asked about the internal objections, Prof Luk Rombauts said the cell-free PGT test had been widely backed by his colleagues.
He said the test was reviewed and approved by both the Monash IVF Group national Medical Advisory Committee and state-based Medical Advisory Committees after wide consultation with the clinical workforce.
“The test was introduced with wide support from doctors across Monash IVF Group and their feedback is always welcome,” Prof Rombauts said.
“It is up to individual doctors to decide if they chose to offer the cell-free test in their clinical practice.”
Margalit Injury Lawyers on Sunday announced they were investigating a class action in relation to alleged negligence of Monash IVF.
“We are talking with the families, and will be seeking compensation on their behalf,” Michel Margalit said.
“The needless destruction of healthy embryos is a clear failure in an IVF clinic’s duty to provide appropriate care to its patients.
“The experience of IVF is like no other. You are at your most vulnerable and have no choice but to place your complete trust in your IVF provider. It’s incomprehensible to think that a mother’s last chance at having a child could be ripped from them.”
Rival Melbourne IVF clinics have confirmed they are preparing to take over the treatment of some Monash IVF patients.
Multiple sources connected to Monash IVF have told the Herald Sun the introduction of the test caused division within senior ranks.
Several leading specialists left the business in the months after the test was introduced, though it is understood the test was only part of a wider disagreement.
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