A woman in Brisbane, Australia, has unknowingly given birth to another couple’s child after her fertility clinic mistakenly implanted someone else’s embryo during IVF treatment. The error took place at Monash IVF, one of the country’s leading fertility clinics, and has raised serious concerns about embryo handling and the overall safety protocols in place at fertility centres.

According to reports by Australian media, the incident was discovered in February 2025 when the birth parents attempted to transfer their remaining frozen embryos to another clinic. Instead of finding the expected number of embryos in storage, an extra embryo was found—triggering an internal investigation. Monash IVF later confirmed that an embryo from another patient had been thawed and transferred to the wrong woman, leading to the birth of a child who is not biologically related to the mother who carried them.

Monash IVF CEO Michael Knaap issued a public apology, “On behalf of Monash IVF, I want to say how truly sorry I am for what has happened. We are devastated by this mistake, and we are conducting a thorough investigation.”

The clinic has reported the incident to regulatory authorities and is currently cooperating with investigations. Monash has assured the public that it believes the event to be an isolated incident.

This is not the first time the clinic has faced controversy. In 2023, Monash IVF paid A$56 million in a landmark class-action lawsuit involving 700 former patients. The case revealed that faulty genetic testing had led to the destruction of viable embryos—with about 35 per cent wrongly labelled as abnormal and discarded.

The recent embryo mix-up underscores the importance of rigorous oversight and quality assurance in IVF clinics, especially as the demand for assisted reproductive technology continues to rise.

What is IVF?

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a process where eggs are retrieved from a woman’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a lab. The resulting embryos are then implanted into the uterus in hopes of achieving pregnancy. While IVF has helped millions of people worldwide build families, it remains an expensive and emotionally demanding process with no guarantee of success.

In 2021, around 20,690 babies were born through IVF procedures in Australia and New Zealand, according to a report by the University of New South Wales.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Choosing IVF

If you're considering IVF, here are important things to consider before beginning treatment:

1. Choose a Reputable Clinic

Research success rates, patient reviews, and the clinic’s history with handling embryos and lab procedures.

2. Ask About Protocols

Inquire about their tracking systems and double-check procedures for embryo identification and storage.

3. Understand the Risks

IVF can involve risks like multiple pregnancies, premature birth, and emotional stress from failed cycles.

4. Get Genetic Counseling

Understand how genetic testing is done and the accuracy of methods used for embryo screening.

5. Clarify Legal Rights

Ensure you understand your rights in case of a mix-up or error and what legal protections are in place.

6. Consider Emotional Support

IVF can be emotionally taxing. Seek support from counsellors or therapists who specialize in fertility issues.

7. Evaluate Costs Carefully

IVF is costly, and insurance may not always cover it. Budget for initial treatments and potential follow-up cycles.

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