Queensland IVF company admits to sperm donation error after bi-racial baby born to Caucasian couple

A fertility company has revealed an IVF mistake that resulted in a Caucasian couple giving birth to a bi-racial baby in 2014.

Queensland Fertility Group (QFG) said that a sperm donation labelling mix-up was the behind the error.

“We extend our heartfelt empathy to the family involved and recognise the profound impact this experience has had on their lives,” QFG said on Monday.

QFG, which has been under new ownership since 2022, said it cut ties with Seattle Sperm Bank, which took full responsibility for the incident.

The Aussie fertility group audited the US the sperm bank’s identification and witnessing procedures at the time, and then destroyed all remaining sperm donations from the supplier.

QFG never reported the adverse event, but was not legally obligated to at the time.

Double-witnessing donations became the national standard in 2012, and QFG said it updated its policy after the 2014 bungle.

A compliance issue with the new double-witness policy was later discovered in one QFG lab, but was corrected.

“While we acknowledge shortcomings in communication by the former management, we do not believe there was a deliberate attempt to conceal the incident,” QFG said.

“A settlement agreement was reached with the family.”

QFG said it meets all Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee (RTAC) accreditation requirements, and supports constant improvement in the sector.

“We support the Federal Government’s review of IVF sector regulation and welcome efforts to establish a national framework that enhances safety, transparency, and accountability,” it said.

“This includes the creation of an independent accreditation body, consistent IVF laws, and a national donor register.”

Despite the decade that has passed since the 2014, IVF mix-ups still affect Queensland parents.

Monash IVF implanted the wrong embryo into a woman at a Brisbane clinic in May.

“The embryo of one patient was incorrectly transferred to another patient resulting in the birth of a child,” CEO of the fertility giant Michael Knaap said at the time.

“On behalf of Monash IVF, I want to say how truly sorry I am for what has happened.”

“All of us at Monash IVF are devastated and we apologise to everyone involved. We will continue to support the patients through this extremely distressing time.”

The Law Office of Conrad Curry director Conrad Curry told 7NEWS.com.au at the time that these mix ups are a result of law failing to keep up with technology.