Monash IVF Reaches Settlements Over Embryo Errors; Third Family Files Negligence Claim
Monash IVF has reached financial settlements with families affected by two separate embryo transfer incidents at its Brisbane and Clayton clinics. The company continues to face legal proceedings, as a third family has filed a negligence claim related to the Brisbane incident.
Separately, experts have warned that more historical IVF errors may be uncovered as DNA testing becomes more accessible.
Incident Details
Brisbane Clinic
Error occurred in 2023; disclosed February 2025
In February 2025, Monash IVF became aware of an incident that occurred in 2023 at its Brisbane clinic. A patient was implanted with another woman's embryo and subsequently gave birth to a child with no genetic link to her. The company disclosed this incident to the stock market in April 2025. This incident involved both a birth mother and a biological mother.
Clayton Clinic, Melbourne
Disclosed June 2025
In June 2025, Monash IVF disclosed a second incident at its Clayton clinic in Melbourne. A woman's own embryo was transferred to her instead of her partner's embryo, contrary to the couple's established treatment plan.
Company Response and Investigations
Monash IVF has confirmed reaching settlements with families affected by both incidents. The company expressed regret for the events and stated it has implemented steps to strengthen safety culture and oversight across all facilities. Monash IVF noted collaboration with regulators to ensure systems meet or exceed required standards.
The independent investigation, led by barrister Fiona (Sarah) McLeod, determined that the two incidents were unrelated and distinct in nature.
- The Brisbane incident was attributed solely to human error.
- The Clayton incident resulted from a combination of human error at multiple stages and limitations within the IT system, which made the transfer process more susceptible to error.
Monash IVF stated it had implemented many recommendations from the review and committed to implementing remaining recommendations. The company also implemented additional verification processes and patient confirmation safeguards.
In its half-yearly results report to the Australian Stock Exchange in February 2025, Monash IVF indicated that its insurers had confirmed indemnity for the claims. The company stated that compensation payments would not impact shareholders.
Michael Knaap resigned as Monash IVF's chief executive officer in June 2025, days after the second incident was disclosed to the stock market.
Legal Proceedings
A third family involved in the Brisbane incident has filed a negligence claim against Monash IVF. The company has reached settlements with other affected families.
Historical Incident: Royal North Shore Hospital (1995)
A separate 1995 embryo mix-up at Royal North Shore Hospital has come to light. In this incident, a woman gave birth to twins who were not biologically related to her. The error was identified three decades later when one of the twins, Sasha Szafranski, submitted her DNA to an online genealogy website.
The families involved are exploring legal avenues for compensation and a formal apology. Litigation expert Danielle Snell stated that potential court proceedings would depend on assessing emotional and psychiatric damage. Sasha Szafranski has withdrawn from litigation due to stress.
A challenge in this case is identifying legal responsibility. North Shore ART, the company that provided fertility services in 1995, no longer exists, having been acquired by Virtus Health. Neither Royal North Shore Hospital nor Virtus Health has accepted responsibility. Ms. Snell indicated that legal claims against insurers may still be possible.
Expert Warnings on Historical Errors
Fertility experts have stated that more historical IVF errors may be uncovered as DNA testing becomes more accessible.
Former embryologist and patient advocate Lucy Lines expressed the view that growing availability of DNA testing will lead to more individuals discovering unexpected parentage. Ms. Lines advised careful consideration for those contemplating DNA testing due to the potential impact of such information.
Lines and women's health researcher Karin Hammarberg noted significant improvements in the IVF industry since 1995, including the shift from low-tech processes to advanced technological tracking systems, which have reduced error risks.
Both experts expressed concern that the families affected by the 1995 mix-up have not been offered support.
NSW Premier Chris Minns stated he would look into assisting the families if they reached out.