Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 1701 W Charleston Blvd., Ste. 290, Las Vegas, NV, 89102, USA.
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
J Assist Reprod Genet. 2021 May;38(5):1101-1107. doi: 10.1007/s10815-021-02108-1. Epub 2021 Feb 18.
To study recent legal cases involving the transfer of the incorrect embryo into patients and learn how fertility clinics can better serve clients, protect themselves financially, and safeguard their physicians' personal assets.
The Nexis Uni database was used to review legal cases, news, and business publications of previous cases of embryo mix-ups. County and district courthouse dockets were also queried for filings and court documents related to lawsuits involving embryo mix-ups using Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER). Emphasis was placed on court decisions, awarded damages, and legal and media coverage related to embryo mix-up events.
A case law review of US legal databases and courthouse dockets was conducted for cases between 2000 and 2020, focusing on lawsuits against reproductive endocrinologists and in vitro fertilization (IVF) facilities offering embryo transfer (ET). Improper labeling and ineffective communication led to errors in the cases reviewed.
It is prudent for clinics to protect themselves from embryo mix-ups, which can subsequently lead to undesirable clinical outcomes, as well as lawsuits stemming from these errors. This article emphasizes following labeling guidelines when storing embryos, employing a two-step read back method prior to ET, and offering genetic testing when a discrepancy is found in the record. In the case an embryo mix-up does occur, it is recommended to protect personal assets through business organizing procedures and consider settlement offers for policy limits.
研究最近涉及将错误胚胎转移到患者体内的法律案例，了解生育诊所如何更好地为客户服务，保护自己的财务利益，并保护医生的个人资产。
使用 Nexis Uni 数据库回顾了之前胚胎混淆案例的法律案件、新闻和商业出版物。还通过公共访问法院电子记录（PACER）查询县和地区法院的案卷，以获取与涉及胚胎混淆的诉讼有关的文件和法庭文件。重点关注与胚胎混淆事件相关的法庭裁决、判给的损害赔偿以及法律和媒体报道。
对 2000 年至 2020 年期间的美国法律数据库和法院案卷进行了案例法审查，重点是针对生殖内分泌学家和提供胚胎移植（ET）的体外受精（IVF）设施的诉讼。不适当的标签和无效的沟通导致了审查案例中的错误。
诊所应谨慎保护自己免受胚胎混淆的影响，这可能会导致不良的临床后果，以及由此类错误引发的诉讼。本文强调了在储存胚胎时遵循标签指南、在 ET 前采用两步读回方法以及在记录中发现差异时进行遗传测试的重要性。如果确实发生了胚胎混淆，建议通过商业组织程序保护个人资产，并考虑根据政策限制提出和解方案。
