Woman gives birth to stranger’s baby after horror Monash IVF mix-up

A woman has unwittingly given birth to a stranger’s baby after a horror mix-up by Monash IVF saw her implanted with another couple’s embryo.

It is believed to be the first time in Australia that a baby has been born after the wrong embryo was transferred.

Melbourne-based Monash IVF said an internal audit found no evidence that this had happened to other families, but also could not rule it out.

Both families are understood to be furious and heartbroken with major legal action being considered against the embattled fertility giant.

Emily Hart, principal lawyer and head of the medical negligence team at Arnold Thomas and Becker, said that if the families were to launch a civil claim, it could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“It depends on how severe the psychological injury is. For someone who is devastated, has to stop working, and requires ongoing care, it could be worth a significant amount of money,” she said.

Ms Hart said a claim could be brought for medical negligence, psychological harm or breach of contract but the parents’ most immediate concern would likely be custody.

“The custody question is really difficult in these circumstances — and it’s probably the most frightening aspect for parents facing this,” she said.

“It will really depend on where the genetic material came from, and could become a complex family law issue.”

Read more at The Herald Sun.

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