The Homerton Fertility Centre in London has had its license suspended by the UK’s fertility regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), due to “significant concerns” about the clinic. The suspension came after three incidents occurred, highlighting errors in some freezing processes, leading to the “tragic loss of a small number of embryos” that either did not survive or were “undetectable.” This means an embryo stored in frozen liquid solution in a container cannot be found during later thawing. A recent patient from the clinic told BBC that she is “distraught” after one of her stored embryos could not be found, leading to the cancellation of her procedure.
The Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust says it began an investigation late last year and immediately made regulators fully aware of it, which is a routine procedure after any adverse incidents. The clinic is permitted to continue treatment cycles which have already begun, such as those involving patients already taking medication. The investigation is ongoing, and all fertility patients have been informed and apologized to for any distress, even if their eggs or embryos are unaffected.
Current patients may continue to be treated at the unit despite the license suspension by the HFEA, and the clinic’s chief executive has written to all its fertility patients, apologizing for the errors and for the concern this may have caused. The HFEA said it was rare for this type of action to be taken and that the clinic had referred itself for investigation. The Homerton Fertility Centre, which provides a range of fertility treatment to NHS and private patients, has been licensed since 1995.
The incident raises concerns about the safety of fertility clinics and the emotional toll it can have on patients. One patient said she had been offered another cycle of IVF treatment by the clinic, but it takes a physical and emotional toll. The BBC has called for anyone else who has been affected by any of the issues raised to get in touch. The HFEA decides which clinics should have a license to operate and regularly inspects them
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