Overview

• Monash IVF's Brisbane clinic mistakenly transferred another patient's embryo, leading to a woman giving birth to a child genetically unrelated to her.
• The error was discovered in February 2025 when the birth parents requested the transfer of their remaining frozen embryos to another provider.
• Monash IVF has publicly apologized, with CEO Michael Knaap expressing deep regret and assuring support for the affected families during this distressing time.
• The clinic has launched an independent investigation, led by senior counsel Fiona McLeod, to identify how the error occurred and to strengthen safeguards across its operations.
• The incident has sparked discussions about legal parentage, regulatory oversight, and the emotional toll on the families, with experts warning of potential legal precedents in Australia.