The value of Monash IVF Group plunged by more than a quarter after it disclosed that a woman had given birth to another couple’s baby as a result of a mistake at one of its fertility clinics.
Although the fertility and reproductive health company said the incident was not considered material to its financial performance, the share price dived 28.4 cents or 26.51% to 79 cents after trading between 78 cents and 90 cents, valuing it at A$418.9 million (US$259.7 million).
Monash IVF Group said the embryo of one patient was incorrectly transferred to another patient at its Brisbane clinic in February 2025, which resulted in the birth of a child.
“Monash IVF has notified its insurers and does not currently consider the incident as material to FY2025 financial performance and will keep the ASX informed of any developments, if necessary,” the company said in an announcement to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
The company said it had informed, and was continuing to support, the affected patients.
“Monash IVF's focus is on supporting our patients through this extremely distressing time,” it said.
An initial investigation into the incident found that it was the result of human error. However, to identify the further safeguards recommended, it commissioned barrister Fiona McLeod to conduct an independent investigation.
Monash IVF said it was committed to implementing all recommendations. It disclosed the incident to regulators, including the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee, and voluntarily reported it to the new Queensland assisted reproductive technology regulator.
The company said it conducts regular compliance audits at its sites to identify and mitigate risks and adheres to strict laboratory safety measures (including multi-step identification processes) to safeguard and protect embryos in its care.
Established more than 50 years ago, Monash IVF achieved the world's first human in vitro fertilisation (IVF) pregnancy in 1973 and Australia's first IVF birth in 1980 and was listed on the ASX in 2014.
