Embryos Destroyed At IVF Clinic During Blackout

A South Australian fertility clinic is reeling today from the after-effects of the state-wide blackout, confirming that some of its embryos were destroyed during the outage.

Flinders Fertility confirmed to The Adelaide Advertiser that following the blackout the back-up power at the clinic did not immediately come on. As a result, “more than a handful” of the embryos at the clinic became “unviable” on Wednesday. The clinic confirmed that the embryos, which had been ready to be implanted, could no longer be used.

On ABC 891 radio this morning Jack Snelling, the state’s health minister, revealed that around a dozen patients are thought to have been affected by the loss. In the interview it was suggested, but not confirmed, that as many as 25 embryos per patient were lost.

In a statement to the press, Flinders Fertility said:

“Despite every effort by our scientists, the embryos are no longer viable,” Flinders Fertility said in a statement.

“This is a devastating situation for our patients, and very distressing for our staff.

“Flinders Fertility doctors have contacted patients directly, and individual support and counselling is being provided.”

The clinic assured other patients that “cryopreserved material”, that is that which would be implanted at a later date, on site was not affected.

A spokesperson for Flinders Medical Centre, where the fertility clinic is based, said:

“We’re currently reviewing the circumstances that led to the Flinders Fertility laboratory being without power during part of Wednesday’s extreme weather event.”

“We will also work closely with Flinders Fertility to make sure the families receive all the support and assistance they need during this difficult time.”