Parent company of Hong Kong IVF clinic says sorry for embryo specimen mix-up

The parent group of a Hong Kong fertility clinic involved in a rare mix-up of embryo biopsy specimens has apologised for the incident, pledging to cooperate with the authorities’ investigation and providing support to affected patients.

New Frontier Group, the parent company of Heal Fertility in Central, broke its silence two days after the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) saga came to light, saying in a statement on Thursday that it had launched a comprehensive internal review.

The assisted reproductive clinic in Central was found to have mishandled embryo biopsy specimens from two patients in May and June, but had failed to promptly report the incident to authorities.

The clinic has been ordered to submit a report within four weeks, explaining the cause of the incident and detailing improvement measures.

The Council on Human Reproductive Technology, the Department of Health and police have all launched investigations into the incident.

“Regarding the embryo biopsy specimens mix-up incident, the group expresses its sincere apology,” New Frontier said in a statement.

“The group attaches great importance to the incident and has established an internal investigation team to thoroughly examine the causes and the management systems and procedures.”