❓ Hon. Michelle Hofmann asks about IVF embryo mix-ups in WA, prompting a response detailing protocols and oversight mechanisms ensuring correct embryo implantation and traceability within fertility clinics.

I refer to an ABC news article titled “A DNA test, a match and a decades-old IVF mix-up” dated 17 March 2026, reporting that an IVF clinic mix-up resulted in the wrong embryo being implanted, and noting that this is not the first such case to come to public attention, and I ask:(a) can the Minister provide empirical evidence of any situations in which the wrong embryo has been implanted during IVF procedures in Western Australia over the last 30 years;(b) what mechanisms and protocols are currently in place in Western Australia to ensure that the correct embryo is implanted during IVF procedures; and(c) what review processes are in place to check and/or audit IVF providers to ensure they are maintaining high standards in an effort to avoid IVF embryo mix-ups?

(a) There is no evidence of the wrong embryo been implanted during an IVF procedure in Western Australia over the last 30 years. (b) Under the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee Code of Practice , fertility clinics must have identification and traceability systems in place, to ensure gametes, embryos and patients are correctly identified and always matched. To be accredited by Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee the clinic must provide evidence of the implementation and review of: · Policies and procedures to identify when, how and by whom identification, matching and verification are recorded for gametes, embryos and patients at all stages of the treatment process. · The process that constitutes the traceability of gametes and embryos at all stages of the treatment cycle. · Regular audit (at least annual) of the patient, gamete and embryo identification process. · A minimum of three forms of identification must be used to ensure traceability of all persons and specimens. (c) The Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee oversees the compliance of fertility clinics through its annual reaccreditation process and a requirement to self-report any adverse events. To maintain accreditation fertility clinics must undergo an annual surveillance audit against the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee Code of Practice which includes assessment of the clinic’s identification and traceability systems. The Department of Health can also request information at any time as part of the licensing framework established by the Human Reproductive Technology Act 1991 .