Unscrupulous IVF providers who make their money peddling false hope to Victorians desperate for a family are on notice.
Victorian premier Daniel Andrews today announced that there will be an inquiry into dodgy, dangerous and unethical practices by IVF providers.
Allegations include a doctor knowingly transferring an nonviable embryo into a patient.
In one case, clinicians are accused of failing to disclose equipment failures, and instead led patients to believe their embryos had succumbed naturally.
“IVF can be a long, emotional and unpredictable journey. For many it results in joy, but for others, they are taken advantage of and peddled false hope,” Mr Andrews said on Tuesday.
“We’ll make sure that those providers who peddle lies and play with people’s emotions are caught and pay the price.”
The inquiry will help uncover the dangerous and unethical practices being used and will recommend ways to protect patients.
People who have accessed or are accessing IVF services will have a chance to have their say over their experiences as part of a wide-ranging consultation process.
The Commissioner will deliver a final report to the government by the end of the year.
They will also refer any matters of false, misleading and deceptive conduct to Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Penalties will also be increased so IVF providers pay the price if they are caught doing the wrong thing.
