Auckland Fertility Clinic Apologizes After Embryos Go Missing

An Auckland, New Zealand, fertility clinic, Fertility Associates, has issued an apology after frozen embryos belonging to a patient went missing from its Auckland clinic last year. The clinic confirmed that no embryos were transferred to another patient, but the location of the missing embryos remains unknown.

Investigation and Findings

Fertility Associates initiated an “exhaustive and methodical investigation” after becoming aware of the missing embryos in late 2025. The investigation included an audit of the clinic’s gamete and embryo storage processes by an independent international laboratory expert. The audit confirmed that the clinic’s processes were robust and secure, aligning with international best practices [NZ Herald].

Despite these efforts, the embryos have not been located, and the cause of their disappearance remains undetermined. Fertility Associates has kept the affected family regularly updated on the progress of the investigation [RNZ].

Security Measures and Technology

Fertility Associates utilizes RI Witness, an electronic witnessing system that employs radio frequency identification tags and barcoding to track patient samples – including eggs, sperm, and embryos – throughout the entire IVF process [RNZ]. This system is designed to prevent mix-ups by sounding an alarm if samples are mismatched.

Clinic Response and Patient Reassurance

Dr. Andrew Murray, chief medical officer of Fertility Associates, expressed the clinic’s understanding of the “anxiety and concern” caused by the missing embryos and sincerely apologized to the family [1News]. The clinic has assured patients that no other patients were affected by the incident.

Fertility Associates is enhancing its laboratory systems and governance, including moving Auckland frozen embryo storage to a new, larger, dedicated area in Greenlane. The clinic is likewise reinforcing training, quality assurance, and internal reporting mechanisms [RNZ].

Previous Incidents and Reporting

This incident follows a 2023 case where Fertility Associates breached a man’s rights by losing his sperm samples, as found by the Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner [NZ Herald]. The clinic reported the loss of the embryos to the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, and the Ethics Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology.

Patient Contact and External Reactions

As of March 18, 2026, four patients had contacted the clinic following an email notification about the incident. No clients had cancelled planned services as of that date [1News]. Fertility Associates is not currently facing consequences from health authorities [WNC].