A major IVF clinic in Brisbane, Australia, Monash IVF, has issued an apology after a woman gave birth to another couple's child due to an embryo mix-up, which the clinic attributed to 'human error.'

In response, Monash IVF has offered support to the affected families and emphasized their commitment to respecting the privacy of all parties involved, including the child.

Legal experts warn that determining parental rights in this case could lead to significant custody disputes, complicating who ultimately raises the child.

Frances Bertram from Shine Lawyers noted that all parties involved may be entitled to considerable compensation if legal action is pursued.

This incident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols in the fertility industry, which has largely been self-regulated until recently.

Queensland's parliament passed new IVF regulations in 2024 aimed at preventing such errors by establishing a registry for patients and prohibiting the destruction of medical histories for donors.

The clinic has initiated an independent investigation and reported the matter to relevant regulatory bodies, pledging to implement any recommendations made.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth has called for improved regulations to restore public trust in IVF services, expressing her heartbreak over the situation.

Following the incident, Monash IVF's stock experienced a significant drop of 35%, marking its largest decline since going public over a decade ago.

The incident came to light in February 2025 when the clinic discovered an extra embryo that belonged to another patient.

Legal experts suggest that the incident could lead to various legal actions, potentially including claims of medical negligence.

The emotional toll of infertility and IVF is compounded by this mix-up, as one set of parents lost an embryo while another received one that wasn't theirs.