Conditions placed on IVF registrations after Melbourne embryo mix-up
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It said “enhanced security protocols” had been put in place following the company’s internal investigation into the issue and an independent review conducted by high-profile barrister Fiona McLeod, SC.
Monash IVF said it did not expect the conditions to have a material impact on current operations or the company’s earnings forecast.
“The company will continue to prioritize the care and safety of its patients and will keep the ASX informed of any material developments in accordance with its disclosure obligations.”
Associate Professor Neera Bhatia, director of law, health and society research at Deakin University, said public confidence in IVF clinics was at an all-time low.
“Humans gametes [egg and sperm] “What is transferred are their real gametes,” he said.
Monash said the conditions imposed on IVF appeared to be quite broad and that greater oversight and wholesale review of the fertility sector was needed.
“This will help ensure that the deep and significant risks and harms that have occurred do not occur again.”
Karin Hammarberg, associate senior research fellow at Monash University, said all fertility clinics must meet the same conditions that apply to Monash IVF.
“Exactly determining who gets what in IVF could not be more important,” he said. “We are dealing with life-changing treatments, and if things go wrong, it will last a lifetime.”
In September, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler announced the establishment of an independent accreditation system for in vitro fertilization clinics as part of an effort to increase transparency.
The accreditation system was recommended by a rapid review of the fertility industry announced in June following a mix of two separate embryos by Monash IVF. It will be provided by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare and will be available by January 2027.
At the time, the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand welcomed the move but said it was a missed opportunity to create national legislation regulating the industry and create a national donor register.
