A Queensland woman unknowingly gave birth to another couple’s child after a devastating error at a Brisbane IVF clinic, Monash IVF revealed. The mix-up occurred when staff mistakenly thawed and transferred the wrong embryo during an in vitro fertilization procedure, only discovered in February 2025 when the clinic noticed an extra embryo in storage.

The baby was born in 2024, according to local reports, but details about the child’s custody remain undisclosed. Monash IVF, one of Australia’s largest fertility providers, attributed the blunder to “human error” despite strict safety protocols. “We are devastated and deeply sorry,” said CEO Michael Knaap, promising ongoing support for those affected.

The clinic reported the incident to Queensland’s regulator and said no other errors were found in their initial review. Monash IVF, established in 1971, faced scrutiny last year after settling a $56 million lawsuit with over 700 patients over claims of destroyed embryos, though it admitted no liability.

Such mix-ups, though rare, have occurred globally, including a recent U.S. case where a woman gave birth to a stranger’s child due to a clinic error. In Australia, IVF regulations vary by state, raising concerns about oversight. Queensland’s 2024 laws aim to improve donor registries and prevent mishandling, following a report exposing risks in sperm storage.

Federal Minister Amanda Rishworth urged states to strengthen regulations to restore public trust. “This is heartbreaking,” she said. “Confidence in IVF must be rebuilt.” Monash IVF vowed to cooperate fully with authorities to prevent future errors.