1 00:00:00,980 --> 00:00:03,020 (THEME MUSIC PLAYS) 2 00:00:12,260 --> 00:00:14,100 Oh, yes! 3 00:00:14,100 --> 00:00:15,100 (BABY FUSSES) 4 00:00:15,100 --> 00:00:15,340 GRACE TOBIN: Tens of thousands of Australians turn to IVF every year (BABY FUSSES) 5 00:00:15,340 --> 00:00:19,860 GRACE TOBIN: Tens of thousands of Australians turn to IVF every year 6 00:00:19,860 --> 00:00:20,140 GRACE TOBIN: Tens of thousands in the hope of Australians turn to IVF every year of having their own miracle baby. 7 00:00:20,140 --> 00:00:22,940 in the hope of having their own miracle baby. 8 00:00:25,540 --> 00:00:27,780 Oh, I've wanted to be a mother my whole life. 9 00:00:28,700 --> 00:00:31,380 The lucrative industry behind baby-making 10 00:00:31,380 --> 00:00:31,620 The lucrative industry can make those dreams come true. 11 00:00:31,620 --> 00:00:34,460 can make those dreams come true. 12 00:00:34,460 --> 00:00:37,660 1 in 18 births is an IVF birth. 13 00:00:37,660 --> 00:00:39,860 But when things go wrong... 14 00:00:40,940 --> 00:00:43,180 (CRIES) It's more bad news. 15 00:00:43,180 --> 00:00:46,780 ..there's not enough transparency and accountability. 16 00:00:46,780 --> 00:00:49,660 It takes forever to get back to the bloody starting line. 17 00:00:49,660 --> 00:00:49,900 It takes forever to get back (CRIES) 18 00:00:49,900 --> 00:00:51,540 (CRIES) 19 00:00:53,540 --> 00:00:58,740 These are the stories, the errors and unbelievable bungles 20 00:00:58,740 --> 00:01:03,660 that Australia's biggest fertility companies aren't owning up to. 21 00:01:03,660 --> 00:01:08,220 How could they have used the wrong sperm to make children? 22 00:01:08,220 --> 00:01:11,340 How many half-siblings do you think you might have? 23 00:01:12,300 --> 00:01:15,820 So, there could be potentially 700 siblings. 24 00:01:15,820 --> 00:01:18,340 Our children's conditions were not severe enough 25 00:01:18,340 --> 00:01:20,140 to stop the sperm from sale. 26 00:01:20,140 --> 00:01:22,140 It's just money. That's all it is. 27 00:01:22,140 --> 00:01:23,900 (LAUGHS) 28 00:01:23,900 --> 00:01:25,540 Hello. How are you? 29 00:01:25,540 --> 00:01:30,060 Now patients are coming together and fighting back. 30 00:01:30,060 --> 00:01:32,300 ANASTASIA GUNN: I think they've messed with the wrong women. 31 00:01:32,300 --> 00:01:35,860 People need to know that, when things go wrong, 32 00:01:35,860 --> 00:01:36,780 this is how they treat people. 33 00:01:36,780 --> 00:01:38,500 This is the company you're getting into bed with. 34 00:01:46,940 --> 00:01:49,980 (INSECTS CHIRP) 35 00:01:58,300 --> 00:02:01,660 In a farming shed in far northern New South Wales 36 00:02:01,660 --> 00:02:01,900 In a farming shed two mums work into the night. 37 00:02:01,900 --> 00:02:04,380 two mums work into the night. 38 00:02:04,380 --> 00:02:07,740 ANASTASIA GUNN: So... Oh, yeah, those people are twins. 39 00:02:07,740 --> 00:02:10,660 They're the ones that I've messaged and I haven't heard back from. 40 00:02:10,660 --> 00:02:14,820 This is the nerve centre of their two-year investigation 41 00:02:14,820 --> 00:02:18,100 into one of Australia's biggest fertility clinics. 42 00:02:23,380 --> 00:02:27,260 We are like detectives because we're trying to find out the truth. 43 00:02:27,260 --> 00:02:27,540 Nobody's just offering up the truth to us, We are like detectives because we're trying to find out the truth. 44 00:02:27,540 --> 00:02:30,140 Nobody's just offering up the truth to us, 45 00:02:30,140 --> 00:02:30,380 Nobody's just offering up so, we've gone looking for it. 46 00:02:30,380 --> 00:02:32,180 so, we've gone looking for it. 47 00:02:32,180 --> 00:02:32,420 so, we've gone looking for it. Sometimes we just sit there and do that for hours. 48 00:02:32,420 --> 00:02:36,220 Sometimes we just sit there and do that for hours. 49 00:02:36,220 --> 00:02:36,460 Sometimes we just sit there One of us will be on one website, 50 00:02:36,460 --> 00:02:38,460 One of us will be on one website, 51 00:02:38,460 --> 00:02:40,300 one of us will be on another, 52 00:02:40,300 --> 00:02:44,020 and then together we put together the information. 53 00:02:47,460 --> 00:02:51,980 Anastasia and Lexie Gunn are the mums of three boys 54 00:02:51,980 --> 00:02:52,220 Anastasia and Lexie Gunn conceived through donor sperm. 55 00:02:52,220 --> 00:02:54,180 conceived through donor sperm. 56 00:02:55,140 --> 00:02:56,620 Just click on that. 57 00:02:56,620 --> 00:02:58,100 We'll see if it matches 58 00:02:58,100 --> 00:03:00,580 the information that we've got about the donor. 59 00:03:01,620 --> 00:03:05,260 Most evenings they spend hours searching for clues 60 00:03:05,260 --> 00:03:10,020 into what went wrong with the conception of their children. 61 00:03:12,180 --> 00:03:16,660 We love our boys so deeply, 62 00:03:16,660 --> 00:03:20,460 and what we want to do is get to the bottom of what's happened. 63 00:03:23,220 --> 00:03:28,700 How do you personally describe what has happened to your family? 64 00:03:30,620 --> 00:03:33,940 We had IVF and got the wrong sperm. 65 00:03:38,380 --> 00:03:42,620 (BIRD TWEETS) 66 00:03:44,820 --> 00:03:46,980 Hey, Mum. 67 00:03:46,980 --> 00:03:48,740 Hey! How are you going? 68 00:03:48,740 --> 00:03:50,820 How was town? Good. 69 00:03:50,820 --> 00:03:54,740 The couple's oldest son was conceived in 2006 70 00:03:54,740 --> 00:03:54,980 The couple's oldest son at the state's largest IVF clinic, 71 00:03:54,980 --> 00:03:57,220 at the state's largest IVF clinic, 72 00:03:57,220 --> 00:03:59,420 the Queensland Fertility Group. 73 00:04:06,220 --> 00:04:11,980 Anastasia says she took great care in choosing the right sperm donor. 74 00:04:12,940 --> 00:04:17,420 Went to QFG and they had a big book with the donor profile. 75 00:04:17,420 --> 00:04:21,500 So, at the top of every profile it had the donor number, 76 00:04:21,500 --> 00:04:24,580 but there was definitely no photos and no names. 77 00:04:24,580 --> 00:04:27,460 There's an age bracket for the donor, 78 00:04:27,460 --> 00:04:29,300 their educational background 79 00:04:29,300 --> 00:04:31,500 and their health history as well. 80 00:04:31,500 --> 00:04:35,580 And what donor number did you choose for your first son? 81 00:04:35,580 --> 00:04:38,660 I chose donor number 227. 82 00:04:43,860 --> 00:04:48,180 From day one he was a big, strapping boy. 83 00:04:49,420 --> 00:04:50,980 Four years later 84 00:04:50,980 --> 00:04:54,380 Anastasia and Lexie wanted to have more children. 85 00:04:55,340 --> 00:04:59,700 We contacted QFG to check that we could use the same donor. 86 00:05:01,380 --> 00:05:04,460 And they said, "Yes, you can." 87 00:05:13,660 --> 00:05:16,260 So, at every point we were very clear 88 00:05:16,260 --> 00:05:19,940 in the documentation and every conversation we had with them 89 00:05:19,940 --> 00:05:26,620 that we wanted donor 227 to be the donor that we used. 90 00:05:29,020 --> 00:05:32,660 Their youngest sons were born two years apart. 91 00:05:32,660 --> 00:05:37,660 As they grew up, both boys have had serious health issues. 92 00:05:37,660 --> 00:05:42,700 Our middle child is diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. 93 00:05:42,700 --> 00:05:42,940 Our middle child is diagnosed with As time went on 94 00:05:42,940 --> 00:05:45,180 As time went on 95 00:05:45,180 --> 00:05:48,140 the diagnoses kept adding up. 96 00:05:48,140 --> 00:05:51,420 Our youngest son is less affected. 97 00:05:51,420 --> 00:05:55,940 He has joint hypermobility syndrome also. 98 00:05:55,940 --> 00:06:02,260 He also has a diagnosis on the autism spectrum and ADHD. 99 00:06:02,260 --> 00:06:04,580 The two little boys have medical issues 100 00:06:04,580 --> 00:06:06,820 that the older boy hasn't got. 101 00:06:06,820 --> 00:06:08,820 Right, you put your socks on. 102 00:06:08,820 --> 00:06:13,340 The couple wanted to find out if other children of donor 227 103 00:06:13,340 --> 00:06:15,980 had similar diagnoses, 104 00:06:15,980 --> 00:06:19,660 so, they sent the boy's DNA to an ancestry website 105 00:06:19,660 --> 00:06:19,900 so, they sent the boy's DNA to track down other families. 106 00:06:19,900 --> 00:06:22,140 to track down other families. 107 00:06:22,140 --> 00:06:25,340 The results floored them. 108 00:06:25,340 --> 00:06:27,740 I found it profoundly confusing. 109 00:06:27,740 --> 00:06:27,940 I could see that there was no match I found it profoundly confusing. 110 00:06:27,940 --> 00:06:30,180 I could see that there was no match 111 00:06:30,180 --> 00:06:33,260 between our eldest boy and our younger two. 112 00:06:33,260 --> 00:06:33,540 between our eldest boy and our younger two. She just rang me and was, like, hysterical and was so upset 113 00:06:33,540 --> 00:06:38,380 She just rang me and was, like, hysterical and was so upset 114 00:06:38,380 --> 00:06:41,260 and she just kept saying, "They gave us the wrong sperm. 115 00:06:41,260 --> 00:06:41,500 and she just kept saying, "The boys don't match." 116 00:06:41,500 --> 00:06:43,180 "The boys don't match." 117 00:06:43,180 --> 00:06:46,020 And I was just... 118 00:06:48,220 --> 00:06:50,820 I don't know. I just couldn't believe it. 119 00:06:50,820 --> 00:06:56,580 Has QFG provided any explanation at this point 120 00:06:56,580 --> 00:06:58,820 as to how this could have happened? 121 00:06:58,820 --> 00:07:00,260 None whatsoever. 122 00:07:00,260 --> 00:07:02,500 At first they relied on denial 123 00:07:02,500 --> 00:07:02,740 that Ancestry or any other At first they relied on denial 124 00:07:02,740 --> 00:07:07,700 that Ancestry or any other home DNA testing could be accurate. 125 00:07:07,700 --> 00:07:13,300 We then attended legally binding DNA testing 126 00:07:13,300 --> 00:07:16,740 that they use for legal paternity testing in Brisbane, 127 00:07:16,740 --> 00:07:16,980 that they use for legal and tested all three of our sons, 128 00:07:16,980 --> 00:07:19,420 and tested all three of our sons, 129 00:07:19,420 --> 00:07:21,300 and that showed definitively 130 00:07:21,300 --> 00:07:26,180 that our eldest son does not share any DNA with our younger children. 131 00:07:26,180 --> 00:07:31,060 We provided that evidence to them in January 2023. 132 00:07:31,060 --> 00:07:35,260 They have reiterated that, according to their documents, 133 00:07:35,260 --> 00:07:37,780 they used donor 227 for our IVF 134 00:07:37,780 --> 00:07:42,300 and that donor 227 is the biological father of our children. 135 00:07:42,300 --> 00:07:45,020 So, in the face of scientific evidence, 136 00:07:45,020 --> 00:07:48,620 QFG is just absolutely denying this has happened? 137 00:07:48,620 --> 00:07:51,940 Yes, they have completely denied that this has happened. 138 00:07:51,940 --> 00:07:52,180 Yes, they have completely denied They have offered no rationale. 139 00:07:52,180 --> 00:07:54,660 They have offered no rationale. 140 00:07:55,620 --> 00:07:58,420 So, how did you discover then who the real donor was? 141 00:07:58,420 --> 00:08:03,220 Ah, well, that was hundreds and hundreds of hours of work. 142 00:08:03,220 --> 00:08:03,460 Ah, well, that was hundreds So, this is a culmination 143 00:08:03,460 --> 00:08:06,060 So, this is a culmination 144 00:08:06,060 --> 00:08:08,540 of putting together a lot of different sources. 145 00:08:08,540 --> 00:08:13,300 Their research has led them to another QFG donor. 146 00:08:15,060 --> 00:08:18,300 DNA testing shows the two younger boys 147 00:08:18,300 --> 00:08:18,540 DNA testing shows match with children from donor 222. 148 00:08:18,540 --> 00:08:22,140 match with children from donor 222. 149 00:08:23,580 --> 00:08:31,300 So, we discovered that donor 222 and donor 227 came in on the same day 150 00:08:31,300 --> 00:08:35,500 and delivered their specimens on the same day. 151 00:08:35,500 --> 00:08:39,020 And, so, it could have been swapped on that day. 152 00:08:39,020 --> 00:08:40,780 Is it baffling to you 153 00:08:40,780 --> 00:08:45,780 that QFG to date has accepted no responsibility for what's happened? 154 00:08:45,780 --> 00:08:46,020 that QFG to date has accepted no Blows my mind. 155 00:08:46,020 --> 00:08:47,300 Blows my mind. 156 00:08:48,260 --> 00:08:50,260 Hurts my heart. 157 00:08:50,260 --> 00:08:52,860 Do you think they owe you that? 158 00:08:52,860 --> 00:08:56,540 They owe my children that and me that. 159 00:08:56,540 --> 00:08:59,740 My children are people, not products. 160 00:08:59,740 --> 00:09:03,300 Like, we're not talking about a pair of sneakers. 161 00:09:03,300 --> 00:09:05,180 Like, I didn't go home and open up the box 162 00:09:05,180 --> 00:09:08,060 and they were the wrong brand of sneakers. 163 00:09:09,340 --> 00:09:11,340 These are my children. 164 00:09:13,940 --> 00:09:19,540 QFG is owned by Australia's largest IVF provider, Virtus Health, 165 00:09:19,540 --> 00:09:22,500 which has clinics all around the country. 166 00:09:22,500 --> 00:09:27,500 In what's become a fiercely competitive and profitable industry 167 00:09:27,500 --> 00:09:27,740 In what's become a fiercely Virtus is the market leader. 168 00:09:27,740 --> 00:09:30,020 Virtus is the market leader. 169 00:09:30,940 --> 00:09:32,420 The fertility company 170 00:09:32,420 --> 00:09:36,500 was at the centre of a heated takeover battle in 2022 171 00:09:36,500 --> 00:09:41,140 won by private equity giant BGH Capital. 172 00:09:42,500 --> 00:09:45,540 BILL LEDGER: Private equity is all about money. 173 00:09:45,540 --> 00:09:45,780 BILL LEDGER: These are smart financial people. 174 00:09:45,780 --> 00:09:47,060 These are smart financial people. 175 00:09:47,060 --> 00:09:47,300 They wouldn't have These are smart financial people. 176 00:09:47,300 --> 00:09:48,820 They wouldn't have bought into these clinics 177 00:09:48,820 --> 00:09:51,900 unless they thought they were going to make profit out of it. 178 00:09:51,900 --> 00:09:55,740 What is driving that huge growth and interest? 179 00:09:55,740 --> 00:10:00,340 We are providing a part of health care that people want. 180 00:10:00,340 --> 00:10:04,620 In Australia now 1 in 18 births is an IVF birth. 181 00:10:04,620 --> 00:10:06,900 The fact is it's in great demand. 182 00:10:06,900 --> 00:10:10,780 And if you are working in a business where the demand is huge, 183 00:10:10,780 --> 00:10:13,260 where the number of customers you have is huge, 184 00:10:13,260 --> 00:10:13,540 where the number of customers you have is huge, inevitably almost you will make money 185 00:10:13,540 --> 00:10:15,460 inevitably almost you will make money 186 00:10:15,460 --> 00:10:18,580 if you can provide something that's of decent value. 187 00:10:19,740 --> 00:10:21,380 Three big players 188 00:10:21,380 --> 00:10:25,940 account for more than 80% of the industry's total revenue - 189 00:10:25,940 --> 00:10:26,180 account for more than 80% Virtus Health, Monash IVF and Genea. 190 00:10:26,180 --> 00:10:30,820 Virtus Health, Monash IVF and Genea. 191 00:10:32,820 --> 00:10:35,380 I think it's good there are at least three. 192 00:10:35,380 --> 00:10:39,060 The advantage, you know, if you like the concept of capitalism - 193 00:10:39,060 --> 00:10:39,300 The advantage, you know, if you like they do compete, 194 00:10:39,300 --> 00:10:40,540 they do compete, 195 00:10:40,540 --> 00:10:42,820 and competition can improve quality 196 00:10:42,820 --> 00:10:44,220 and push down costs and so forth. 197 00:10:44,220 --> 00:10:47,060 So, that's a good thing. 198 00:10:47,060 --> 00:10:49,460 But the downside, I guess, 199 00:10:49,460 --> 00:10:51,660 is that sometimes the corporates 200 00:10:51,660 --> 00:10:54,260 can be a little cold and a little distant 201 00:10:54,260 --> 00:10:57,620 and patients and people around patients 202 00:10:57,620 --> 00:11:01,260 get the sense that they're a number in a machine 203 00:11:01,260 --> 00:11:03,060 rather than a human being. 204 00:11:03,060 --> 00:11:07,020 And that's something that's all of our jobs to try and prevent. 205 00:11:10,580 --> 00:11:13,780 Professor Bill Ledger is a fertility specialist 206 00:11:13,780 --> 00:11:17,820 with 30 years experience in public and private IVF clinics. 207 00:11:17,820 --> 00:11:23,900 He's adamant - when things go wrong, patient care must come first. 208 00:11:23,900 --> 00:11:27,620 We all must accept that occasionally error will happen. 209 00:11:27,620 --> 00:11:31,980 Each has to be dealt with very thoroughly, analysed deeply, 210 00:11:31,980 --> 00:11:34,620 change made to prevent it happening again. 211 00:11:34,620 --> 00:11:38,660 But if you have a clinic or clinics where mistakes keep happening, 212 00:11:38,660 --> 00:11:42,180 then there has to be a significant inquiry, 213 00:11:42,180 --> 00:11:43,860 and that should be external 214 00:11:43,860 --> 00:11:47,380 and it should be visible and 100% transparent, 215 00:11:47,380 --> 00:11:49,900 but then probably change has to be made. 216 00:11:51,580 --> 00:11:56,620 (DOORBELL RINGS) 217 00:11:59,300 --> 00:12:01,300 Hello! Hi! 218 00:12:01,300 --> 00:12:01,540 Hello! Come on in. 219 00:12:01,540 --> 00:12:02,860 Come on in. 220 00:12:02,860 --> 00:12:03,100 Long time no see. Come on in. 221 00:12:03,100 --> 00:12:05,340 Long time no see. How was your drive? 222 00:12:05,340 --> 00:12:06,300 Not too bad. 223 00:12:06,300 --> 00:12:08,060 Definitely not as bad as I thought it would be. 224 00:12:08,060 --> 00:12:08,300 Definitely not as bad Oh, that's good. 225 00:12:08,300 --> 00:12:09,180 Oh, that's good. 226 00:12:09,180 --> 00:12:09,420 How're you going? Oh, that's good. 227 00:12:09,420 --> 00:12:10,620 How're you going? Hey, Josh. 228 00:12:10,620 --> 00:12:10,860 How're you going? Come on in. 229 00:12:10,860 --> 00:12:11,900 Come on in. 230 00:12:11,900 --> 00:12:17,700 Sisters Sophie and Amelia Hawkshaw and their husbands, Josh and Zach, 231 00:12:17,700 --> 00:12:18,940 are private people. 232 00:12:18,940 --> 00:12:21,660 Do you have any chopping you want me to do? Yeah, yeah, sure. 233 00:12:21,660 --> 00:12:25,820 But they feel compelled to speak publicly for the first time 234 00:12:25,820 --> 00:12:26,060 But they feel compelled about their experience 235 00:12:26,060 --> 00:12:27,300 about their experience 236 00:12:27,300 --> 00:12:27,540 with one of the big three about their experience 237 00:12:27,540 --> 00:12:30,580 with one of the big three fertility clinics, Genea. 238 00:12:30,580 --> 00:12:30,820 with one of the big three I'll just put that there. 239 00:12:30,820 --> 00:12:32,140 I'll just put that there. 240 00:12:32,140 --> 00:12:35,220 I think people need to know that when things go wrong, 241 00:12:35,220 --> 00:12:37,220 this is what Genea does. 242 00:12:37,220 --> 00:12:39,340 This is how they treat people. 243 00:12:39,340 --> 00:12:41,180 This is the company you're getting into bed with. 244 00:12:41,180 --> 00:12:41,420 This is the company (LAUGHS) 245 00:12:41,420 --> 00:12:43,940 (LAUGHS) 246 00:12:43,940 --> 00:12:45,900 MAN: (SINGS) # Da, da-da, da... # 247 00:12:45,900 --> 00:12:48,780 It was, yeah, just the two of us growing up with my parents. 248 00:12:48,780 --> 00:12:49,020 It was, yeah, just the two of us And we're only two years apart. 249 00:12:49,020 --> 00:12:52,620 And we're only two years apart. 250 00:12:52,620 --> 00:12:52,860 You just have your own little world And we're only two years apart. 251 00:12:52,860 --> 00:12:55,740 You just have your own little world of play together as kids. 252 00:12:55,740 --> 00:12:55,980 You just have your own little world Ready?! Set! Go! 253 00:12:55,980 --> 00:12:58,020 Ready?! Set! Go! 254 00:12:58,020 --> 00:13:01,820 Yeah, it's always kind of been the two amigos of Amelia and I. 255 00:13:03,380 --> 00:13:06,260 The sisters found out when they were teenagers 256 00:13:06,260 --> 00:13:06,500 The sisters found out that Amelia couldn't produce eggs. 257 00:13:06,500 --> 00:13:09,260 that Amelia couldn't produce eggs. 258 00:13:10,220 --> 00:13:12,460 And it meant that, 259 00:13:12,460 --> 00:13:14,820 if I wanted to have a family, 260 00:13:14,820 --> 00:13:15,060 that I would need donor eggs from someone else. if I wanted to have a family, 261 00:13:15,060 --> 00:13:19,380 that I would need donor eggs from someone else. 262 00:13:19,380 --> 00:13:19,620 that I would need donor eggs So... 263 00:13:19,620 --> 00:13:20,500 So... 264 00:13:20,500 --> 00:13:20,700 So... I kind of flippantly said, 265 00:13:20,700 --> 00:13:23,340 I kind of flippantly said, 266 00:13:23,340 --> 00:13:23,580 "Oh, I'll just give you some I kind of flippantly said, 267 00:13:23,580 --> 00:13:27,100 "Oh, I'll just give you some of my eggs. I'll just donate eggs." 268 00:13:27,100 --> 00:13:27,340 "Oh, I'll just give you some (CHILD BABBLES) 269 00:13:27,340 --> 00:13:28,500 (CHILD BABBLES) 270 00:13:28,500 --> 00:13:29,860 What is it? 271 00:13:29,860 --> 00:13:30,100 More than a decade on What is it? 272 00:13:30,100 --> 00:13:32,660 More than a decade on from that promise... 273 00:13:32,660 --> 00:13:32,900 More than a decade on What smells? Should we have a look? 274 00:13:32,900 --> 00:13:34,260 What smells? Should we have a look? 275 00:13:34,260 --> 00:13:36,180 ..Sophie had her first baby. 276 00:13:36,180 --> 00:13:38,700 Ready? You can sit next to Meels here. 277 00:13:38,700 --> 00:13:41,660 It meant she was then ready to start the process 278 00:13:41,660 --> 00:13:41,900 It meant she was then ready of donating her eggs to Amelia. 279 00:13:41,900 --> 00:13:44,300 of donating her eggs to Amelia. 280 00:13:44,300 --> 00:13:46,180 (CHILD BABBLES) 281 00:13:47,140 --> 00:13:49,860 The sisters went to a public fertility unit 282 00:13:49,860 --> 00:13:53,140 at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. 283 00:13:53,140 --> 00:13:56,260 The low-cost clinic is state-government funded 284 00:13:56,260 --> 00:14:00,940 and run in collaboration with fertility giant Genea. 285 00:14:00,940 --> 00:14:01,220 So, all of the patient care is done by RPA staff and run in collaboration with fertility giant Genea. 286 00:14:01,220 --> 00:14:05,020 So, all of the patient care is done by RPA staff 287 00:14:05,020 --> 00:14:08,420 and all of the lab work is done by Genea, 288 00:14:08,420 --> 00:14:08,660 and all of the lab work is done by Genea, who are a private company 289 00:14:08,660 --> 00:14:09,940 who are a private company 290 00:14:09,940 --> 00:14:10,180 that have a contract who are a private company 291 00:14:10,180 --> 00:14:11,940 that have a contract with New South Wales Health. 292 00:14:12,900 --> 00:14:18,260 Sophie's retrieval procedure last August produced 22 eggs. 293 00:14:18,260 --> 00:14:22,460 When did you find out how many embryos you had? 294 00:14:22,460 --> 00:14:25,140 So, the next day is considered day one, 295 00:14:25,140 --> 00:14:31,220 and we found out that we had 17 embryos that had been fertilised. 296 00:14:31,220 --> 00:14:31,460 and we found out that we had And that was just so exciting. 297 00:14:31,460 --> 00:14:34,060 And that was just so exciting. 298 00:14:34,060 --> 00:14:35,820 It was such good news. 299 00:14:37,260 --> 00:14:39,940 I felt like my job was done. 300 00:14:39,940 --> 00:14:43,140 Normally we would get our next update on day three. 301 00:14:43,140 --> 00:14:43,380 Normally we would get We didn't get that far. 302 00:14:43,380 --> 00:14:45,500 We didn't get that far. 303 00:14:45,500 --> 00:14:49,140 So, we got our call on day two... 304 00:14:50,700 --> 00:14:53,700 ..to say that the embryos had been... 305 00:14:54,660 --> 00:14:57,580 ..contaminated with a bacteria. 306 00:14:57,580 --> 00:15:01,540 And, so, it was those 17 that had to be destroyed. 307 00:15:03,060 --> 00:15:05,020 Just all of them. 308 00:15:07,500 --> 00:15:12,100 What did those 17 embryos represent to you? 309 00:15:12,100 --> 00:15:14,460 Those 17 embryos... 310 00:15:16,900 --> 00:15:19,100 I mean, they were all... 311 00:15:20,060 --> 00:15:23,660 ..like, potential children that we could have had. 312 00:15:25,820 --> 00:15:29,620 A Sydney hospital has been forced to destroy embryos 313 00:15:29,620 --> 00:15:31,380 belonging to IVF patients. 314 00:15:33,020 --> 00:15:38,780 Within days their personal tragedy was thrust into the public spotlight. 315 00:15:40,220 --> 00:15:43,380 And it felt almost like a betrayal because it was our story, 316 00:15:43,380 --> 00:15:43,620 And it felt almost like a betrayal that I just wanted to scream, like, 317 00:15:43,620 --> 00:15:44,540 that I just wanted to scream, like, 318 00:15:44,540 --> 00:15:46,380 "That's us that you're talking about." 319 00:15:48,300 --> 00:15:51,500 Privately, the sisters were struggling to find out 320 00:15:51,500 --> 00:15:51,740 Privately, the sisters what exactly had gone wrong. 321 00:15:51,740 --> 00:15:53,980 what exactly had gone wrong. 322 00:15:55,660 --> 00:15:58,420 The doctor said at the time 323 00:15:58,420 --> 00:15:58,660 that because it was something The doctor said at the time 324 00:15:58,660 --> 00:16:02,660 that because it was something that had happened in the lab, 325 00:16:02,660 --> 00:16:02,900 that because it was something it was an issue for Genea 326 00:16:02,900 --> 00:16:05,140 it was an issue for Genea 327 00:16:05,140 --> 00:16:07,540 rather than the public hospital. 328 00:16:07,540 --> 00:16:10,260 They said that... 329 00:16:10,260 --> 00:16:15,900 ..I would be called by Genea to organise next steps. 330 00:16:15,900 --> 00:16:16,140 ..I would be called by Genea (BIRD TWITTERS) 331 00:16:16,140 --> 00:16:18,380 (BIRD TWITTERS) 332 00:16:18,380 --> 00:16:22,140 Genea told them an investigation was underway 333 00:16:22,140 --> 00:16:27,100 and that two other families had also had their embryos destroyed. 334 00:16:30,980 --> 00:16:32,500 OK, here we go again. 335 00:16:32,500 --> 00:16:34,220 Ready to make a baby! 336 00:16:35,340 --> 00:16:36,900 Make sure it's ready. 337 00:16:39,060 --> 00:16:42,100 It's hopefully the last one. Last round. 338 00:16:42,100 --> 00:16:42,980 Ah! 339 00:16:42,980 --> 00:16:44,660 Come on, baby-making! 340 00:16:44,660 --> 00:16:46,700 Br-br-br-br. (LAUGHS) 341 00:16:49,580 --> 00:16:52,580 Good and bad emotions when I look at that. 342 00:16:52,580 --> 00:16:56,100 So, I remember being excited but at the same time very hesitant. 343 00:16:58,340 --> 00:17:03,300 Vikki Muller had her egg retrieval in the same week as Sophie. 344 00:17:05,060 --> 00:17:09,540 She got two eggs, which turned into two healthy embryos. 345 00:17:09,540 --> 00:17:13,860 But during the procedure a blood vessel was pierced 346 00:17:13,860 --> 00:17:16,540 and Vikki suffered an internal bleed. 347 00:17:16,540 --> 00:17:18,100 Yeah, it wasn't a very good night. 348 00:17:18,100 --> 00:17:21,020 Probably the worst pain I've ever been in in my life, to be honest. 349 00:17:21,020 --> 00:17:21,260 Probably the worst pain I've ever In so many of those photos, though, 350 00:17:21,260 --> 00:17:22,900 In so many of those photos, though, 351 00:17:22,900 --> 00:17:23,140 you're smiling In so many of those photos, though, 352 00:17:23,140 --> 00:17:25,380 you're smiling and holding up two fingers. 353 00:17:25,380 --> 00:17:29,180 Oh, do you know what? Because I... it was the best result I've got. 354 00:17:29,180 --> 00:17:32,740 I mean, this is the best result we've got in five years. 355 00:17:32,740 --> 00:17:33,860 Like... 356 00:17:35,180 --> 00:17:37,900 I was in so much pain, but I was so... 357 00:17:37,900 --> 00:17:42,260 I felt so strong. I still felt really optimistic. 358 00:17:42,260 --> 00:17:44,740 And I was proud of myself, you know? I was proud of myself. 359 00:17:44,740 --> 00:17:44,980 And I was proud of myself, you know? I got 100%, you know. 360 00:17:44,980 --> 00:17:46,540 I got 100%, you know. 361 00:17:46,540 --> 00:17:51,300 It was Vikki's fourth round of IVF. 362 00:17:51,300 --> 00:17:51,540 Ohh! It was Vikki's fourth round of IVF. 363 00:17:51,540 --> 00:17:53,180 Ohh! Hello! 364 00:17:53,180 --> 00:17:53,420 Ohh! Welcome home. 365 00:17:53,420 --> 00:17:54,420 Welcome home. 366 00:17:54,420 --> 00:17:56,220 She and her partner, Chris, 367 00:17:56,220 --> 00:17:59,180 were forced to delay trying for a baby 368 00:17:59,180 --> 00:18:03,020 after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer a few years ago. 369 00:18:03,020 --> 00:18:03,260 after he was diagnosed Lots of nothing. 370 00:18:03,260 --> 00:18:04,420 Lots of nothing. 371 00:18:04,420 --> 00:18:04,620 I want to see my partner happy. Lots of nothing. 372 00:18:04,620 --> 00:18:06,860 I want to see my partner happy. 373 00:18:06,860 --> 00:18:10,180 And that's... That's part of why this journey has been so difficult. 374 00:18:12,340 --> 00:18:15,900 The couple was told about Genea's lab contamination 375 00:18:15,900 --> 00:18:18,700 when Vikki was recovering in hospital. 376 00:18:18,700 --> 00:18:22,980 Their precious two embryos had to be destroyed. 377 00:18:22,980 --> 00:18:27,460 What did those two healthy embryos represent to you? 378 00:18:27,460 --> 00:18:27,700 What did those two healthy embryos They were like gold to us. 379 00:18:27,700 --> 00:18:28,980 They were like gold to us. 380 00:18:29,940 --> 00:18:31,300 Yeah. 381 00:18:31,300 --> 00:18:35,060 When it dawned, you know, in the hospital, there was just... 382 00:18:35,060 --> 00:18:35,300 When it dawned, you know, ..it just became a source of anger, 383 00:18:35,300 --> 00:18:38,660 ..it just became a source of anger, 384 00:18:38,660 --> 00:18:43,020 you know, frustration, sadness, heartbreak. 385 00:18:43,020 --> 00:18:45,060 It's all milling around, you know? 386 00:18:46,780 --> 00:18:51,060 Genea told them bacteria in the embryology solution 387 00:18:51,060 --> 00:18:53,420 was believed to be the likely cause. 388 00:18:53,420 --> 00:18:58,340 Vikki and Chris pressed Genea for more information. 389 00:18:58,340 --> 00:19:02,020 It was like, as soon as we got discharged from hospital, 390 00:19:02,020 --> 00:19:02,260 It was like, as soon it was...we were non-existent. 391 00:19:02,260 --> 00:19:05,260 it was...we were non-existent. 392 00:19:05,260 --> 00:19:07,460 They basically made me feel 393 00:19:07,460 --> 00:19:10,940 like a bad person for wanting to have a baby. 394 00:19:10,940 --> 00:19:12,980 You know, when I asked for what really happened, 395 00:19:12,980 --> 00:19:17,820 and there was just a bit of this "Yeah, the media was infected." 396 00:19:17,820 --> 00:19:19,100 Well, I already know that. 397 00:19:19,100 --> 00:19:22,060 "How on earth does a company like you 398 00:19:22,060 --> 00:19:26,620 "supply such an important service for an IVF process, 399 00:19:26,620 --> 00:19:29,740 "in dealing with people's lives and families... 400 00:19:29,740 --> 00:19:31,460 "..how on earth does that get infected? 401 00:19:31,460 --> 00:19:34,940 "Just delve a little bit more into that to me, please." 402 00:19:34,940 --> 00:19:39,260 You know, was someone not wearing gloves handling the...like PPE? 403 00:19:39,260 --> 00:19:40,540 I mean, what happened?! 404 00:19:41,500 --> 00:19:44,180 But also, like, we're entitled to understanding 405 00:19:44,180 --> 00:19:44,420 But also, like, what's gone wrong here. 406 00:19:44,420 --> 00:19:46,100 what's gone wrong here. 407 00:19:46,100 --> 00:19:46,340 Right? what's gone wrong here. 408 00:19:46,340 --> 00:19:48,300 Right? We're allowed to have an answer. 409 00:19:48,300 --> 00:19:52,380 Sophie and Amelia and their husbands, Josh and Zach, 410 00:19:52,380 --> 00:19:52,620 Sophie and Amelia have also been demanding answers 411 00:19:52,620 --> 00:19:54,580 have also been demanding answers 412 00:19:54,580 --> 00:19:57,900 on how such a critical error could occur. 413 00:19:57,900 --> 00:19:59,380 It's our information. That's right. 414 00:19:59,380 --> 00:20:01,660 Yeah. That's what we went through. 415 00:20:01,660 --> 00:20:01,900 Yeah. Early on Genea indicated 416 00:20:01,900 --> 00:20:03,900 Early on Genea indicated 417 00:20:03,900 --> 00:20:07,460 there was a staff member with dermatitis on their hands 418 00:20:07,460 --> 00:20:08,700 working that day, 419 00:20:08,700 --> 00:20:12,260 but it wouldn't share the full details. 420 00:20:13,460 --> 00:20:18,940 It's clear that human error was involved in the incident. 421 00:20:19,900 --> 00:20:21,620 And human error does happen. 422 00:20:21,620 --> 00:20:25,940 But, for us, what's really caused the trauma 423 00:20:25,940 --> 00:20:28,180 and kind of affected us long term 424 00:20:28,180 --> 00:20:33,500 has been how we've been treated since the incident occurred. 425 00:20:33,500 --> 00:20:33,740 has been how we've been treated How difficult has it been 426 00:20:33,740 --> 00:20:35,100 How difficult has it been 427 00:20:35,100 --> 00:20:39,300 to extract information from Genea about what went wrong? 428 00:20:39,300 --> 00:20:40,500 Impossible. 429 00:20:40,500 --> 00:20:42,260 Absolutely impossible. 430 00:20:43,660 --> 00:20:48,540 Genea has refused to give the families a copy of its investigation, 431 00:20:48,540 --> 00:20:51,260 known as the 'root cause analysis'. 432 00:20:51,260 --> 00:20:55,860 The fertility giant told them it won't hand over the report: 433 00:21:03,020 --> 00:21:05,940 How did you feel reading THAT 434 00:21:05,940 --> 00:21:08,900 as the reason why you couldn't know what happened? 435 00:21:08,900 --> 00:21:12,260 Ah, that's absolute rubbish. That's just protecting themselves. 436 00:21:12,260 --> 00:21:12,500 Ah, that's absolute rubbish. That's going into damage control. 437 00:21:12,500 --> 00:21:14,940 That's going into damage control. 438 00:21:14,940 --> 00:21:15,180 Give me some information That's going into damage control. 439 00:21:15,180 --> 00:21:17,420 Give me some information and some answers. 440 00:21:17,420 --> 00:21:21,340 I really... Regardless of if you're private or public, 441 00:21:21,340 --> 00:21:21,580 I really... Regardless it's my body, 442 00:21:21,580 --> 00:21:22,660 it's my body, 443 00:21:22,660 --> 00:21:27,980 it's our embryos that you destroyed or didn't look after. 444 00:21:27,980 --> 00:21:31,380 How difficult is it to be honest and open to someone? 445 00:21:31,380 --> 00:21:31,620 How difficult is it I... I just... I don't understand. 446 00:21:31,620 --> 00:21:33,860 I... I just... I don't understand. 447 00:21:36,860 --> 00:21:40,220 Vikki and Chris have teamed up with the other couples 448 00:21:40,220 --> 00:21:42,940 to hold Genea to account. 449 00:21:42,940 --> 00:21:44,380 (ON LAPTOP) The Honourable Jacqui Munro. 450 00:21:44,380 --> 00:21:47,860 They've enlisted the help of a state MP. 451 00:21:47,860 --> 00:21:50,140 We know that this has occurred for some women, 452 00:21:50,140 --> 00:21:52,660 and that they deserve to know exactly what happened to the embryos 453 00:21:52,660 --> 00:21:54,740 they thought would develop into families. 454 00:21:54,740 --> 00:21:54,980 they thought They're hoping political pressure 455 00:21:54,980 --> 00:21:56,420 They're hoping political pressure 456 00:21:56,420 --> 00:21:56,660 will force Genea They're hoping political pressure 457 00:21:56,660 --> 00:21:59,820 will force Genea and New South Wales Health 458 00:21:59,820 --> 00:22:03,340 to be transparent about what went wrong. 459 00:22:03,340 --> 00:22:04,820 SOPHIE HAWKSHAW: We are fighting so hard 460 00:22:04,820 --> 00:22:05,060 SOPHIE HAWKSHAW: to get that root cause analysis. 461 00:22:05,060 --> 00:22:06,300 to get that root cause analysis. 462 00:22:06,300 --> 00:22:06,540 So, Jacqui Munro, to get that root cause analysis. 463 00:22:06,540 --> 00:22:09,980 So, Jacqui Munro, who's an MLP in the Upper House, 464 00:22:09,980 --> 00:22:10,220 So, Jacqui Munro, she did a motion for 465 00:22:10,220 --> 00:22:13,700 she did a motion for 466 00:22:13,700 --> 00:22:13,940 the documents relating to our case to be publicly released. she did a motion for 467 00:22:13,940 --> 00:22:18,740 the documents relating to our case to be publicly released. 468 00:22:18,740 --> 00:22:18,980 the documents relating to our case to be publicly released. I can only assume 469 00:22:18,980 --> 00:22:19,740 I can only assume 470 00:22:19,740 --> 00:22:19,980 that this is a profoundly personal I can only assume 471 00:22:19,980 --> 00:22:23,060 that this is a profoundly personal and devastating experience. 472 00:22:23,060 --> 00:22:23,300 that this is a profoundly personal Thank you, Minister. 473 00:22:23,300 --> 00:22:25,340 Thank you, Minister. 474 00:22:26,860 --> 00:22:29,380 It's taken going to Parliament 475 00:22:29,380 --> 00:22:33,540 to get access to our own medical information. 476 00:22:35,700 --> 00:22:39,220 Yeah, I think it's absolutely ridiculous 477 00:22:39,220 --> 00:22:41,260 that this is how far we've had to take it. 478 00:22:42,500 --> 00:22:44,860 Oh. 479 00:22:46,740 --> 00:22:50,620 Private-equity-owned companies like Genea and Virtus Health 480 00:22:50,620 --> 00:22:55,700 benefit hugely from Australia's generous Medicare system. 481 00:22:55,700 --> 00:22:58,540 An IVF cycle at one of these big clinics 482 00:22:58,540 --> 00:22:58,780 An IVF cycle can cost between $10,000 to $12,000. 483 00:22:58,780 --> 00:23:02,060 can cost between $10,000 to $12,000. 484 00:23:02,060 --> 00:23:02,300 About half of that cost can cost between $10,000 to $12,000. 485 00:23:02,300 --> 00:23:06,580 About half of that cost is covered by taxpayers. 486 00:23:07,420 --> 00:23:10,580 KARIN HAMMARBERG: The truth is that the shareholders 487 00:23:10,580 --> 00:23:13,540 benefit from the Medicare payments as well. 488 00:23:13,540 --> 00:23:18,580 I think it would be expected that there would be transparency. 489 00:23:19,820 --> 00:23:22,580 Fertility researcher Karin Hammarberg 490 00:23:22,580 --> 00:23:25,900 has 20 years clinical experience in IVF. 491 00:23:25,900 --> 00:23:31,580 She says corporate clinics should be held to account when things go wrong. 492 00:23:35,020 --> 00:23:36,500 If there has been 493 00:23:36,500 --> 00:23:38,980 and it's established that there has been a mistake, 494 00:23:38,980 --> 00:23:43,260 transparency, I think, is always the best way to manage it 495 00:23:43,260 --> 00:23:48,220 and obviously acknowledging that something bad has happened 496 00:23:48,220 --> 00:23:52,060 and what can be done in the future to avoid that it happens again? 497 00:23:54,620 --> 00:23:57,020 There IS a national regulator - 498 00:23:57,020 --> 00:23:57,260 the Reproductive Technology There IS a national regulator - 499 00:23:57,260 --> 00:24:00,620 the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee. 500 00:24:00,620 --> 00:24:00,860 the Reproductive Technology But it isn't independent. 501 00:24:00,860 --> 00:24:02,580 But it isn't independent. 502 00:24:02,580 --> 00:24:07,100 It's run by industry peak body The Fertility Society. 503 00:24:07,100 --> 00:24:08,940 RTAC's primary role 504 00:24:08,940 --> 00:24:09,180 is to audit clinics RTAC's primary role 505 00:24:09,180 --> 00:24:11,740 is to audit clinics through a code of practice 506 00:24:11,740 --> 00:24:16,980 and grant licences, which allows them to claim Medicare rebates. 507 00:24:18,100 --> 00:24:21,300 Is it even more important then that these corporate clinics 508 00:24:21,300 --> 00:24:23,060 that are receiving taxpayer dollars 509 00:24:23,060 --> 00:24:26,900 are being accountable and transparent? 510 00:24:26,900 --> 00:24:27,140 are being accountable Yes, it is. 511 00:24:27,140 --> 00:24:28,220 Yes, it is. 512 00:24:28,220 --> 00:24:30,620 To my mind, it's quite unique 513 00:24:30,620 --> 00:24:32,140 that taxpayer money 514 00:24:32,140 --> 00:24:36,340 is transferring pretty much directly into private equity companies 515 00:24:36,340 --> 00:24:36,580 is transferring pretty much directly via a healthcare provision. 516 00:24:36,580 --> 00:24:38,620 via a healthcare provision. 517 00:24:38,620 --> 00:24:38,820 It's a system that has evolved. via a healthcare provision. 518 00:24:38,820 --> 00:24:40,500 It's a system that has evolved. 519 00:24:40,500 --> 00:24:44,020 It's been... It's changed organically over the years. 520 00:24:44,020 --> 00:24:44,260 It's been... It's changed Maybe it's time for a major review 521 00:24:44,260 --> 00:24:47,740 Maybe it's time for a major review 522 00:24:47,740 --> 00:24:47,980 Maybe it's time for a major review just to make sure that it's all functioning as it should. 523 00:24:47,980 --> 00:24:50,540 just to make sure that it's all functioning as it should. 524 00:24:50,540 --> 00:24:53,340 (PLAYS GENTLE MELODY) 525 00:25:02,340 --> 00:25:03,900 KATHERINE DAWSON: I thought it was pretty cool 526 00:25:03,900 --> 00:25:07,820 that I was made in a petri dish and in a lab 527 00:25:07,820 --> 00:25:10,060 and I was frozen for possibly seven years. 528 00:25:10,060 --> 00:25:12,460 Like, that sounds like sci fi. 529 00:25:14,340 --> 00:25:18,420 I didn't have any interest in finding out who the donor was. 530 00:25:18,420 --> 00:25:22,180 I assumed he'd be a nice, generous, healthy bloke 531 00:25:22,180 --> 00:25:22,420 I assumed he'd be because that's what they advertise. 532 00:25:22,420 --> 00:25:24,340 because that's what they advertise. 533 00:25:24,340 --> 00:25:27,860 That's what they tell you they use. 534 00:25:27,860 --> 00:25:30,540 (CONCLUDES SONG) 535 00:25:30,540 --> 00:25:34,220 That's what everyone believes. 536 00:25:34,220 --> 00:25:39,140 That's what you would think is legislated, that IS used. 537 00:25:39,140 --> 00:25:39,380 That's what you would think You don't think there's any lies. 538 00:25:39,380 --> 00:25:41,940 You don't think there's any lies. 539 00:25:47,180 --> 00:25:49,100 Katherine Dawson has discovered 540 00:25:49,100 --> 00:25:52,660 she's at the centre of an unbelievable bungle 541 00:25:52,660 --> 00:25:57,220 involving two of Australia's biggest fertility companies. 542 00:25:57,220 --> 00:25:59,460 DNA testing has revealed 543 00:25:59,460 --> 00:26:04,580 poor vetting practices allowed her donor father to donate sperm 544 00:26:04,580 --> 00:26:04,820 poor vetting practices allowed under multiple different names, 545 00:26:04,820 --> 00:26:06,340 under multiple different names, 546 00:26:06,340 --> 00:26:08,820 with alarming consequences. 547 00:26:09,780 --> 00:26:14,100 How many names did he tell you that he donated under? 548 00:26:14,100 --> 00:26:17,860 I think that there were seven, including his own. 549 00:26:17,860 --> 00:26:21,260 So, how many half-siblings do you think you might have? 550 00:26:21,260 --> 00:26:21,500 So, how many half-siblings So, at this stage, 551 00:26:21,500 --> 00:26:23,300 So, at this stage, 552 00:26:23,300 --> 00:26:25,300 I think and I estimate 553 00:26:25,300 --> 00:26:28,420 that there could be up to 700 siblings. 554 00:26:28,420 --> 00:26:30,180 And it's still inside Victoria, this doesn't cover... 555 00:26:30,180 --> 00:26:30,420 And it's still inside Victoria, It sounds far-fetched, 556 00:26:30,420 --> 00:26:32,460 It sounds far-fetched, 557 00:26:32,460 --> 00:26:36,620 but Katherine says the evidence continues to stack up. 558 00:26:36,620 --> 00:26:39,020 He pretty much said to me when I met him, 559 00:26:39,020 --> 00:26:41,020 he said all of the fake names that he used 560 00:26:41,020 --> 00:26:44,820 and that he went to six clinics and four hospitals. 561 00:26:44,820 --> 00:26:48,220 So, I might not have wanted to believe him, 562 00:26:48,220 --> 00:26:49,820 and there might be reason not to believe him, 563 00:26:49,820 --> 00:26:53,940 but I've already found siblings across three different codes. 564 00:26:53,940 --> 00:26:57,020 Those three codes are from Melbourne IVF, 565 00:26:57,020 --> 00:26:58,980 which is owned by Virtus Health, 566 00:26:58,980 --> 00:27:02,940 and the ASX-listed Monash IVF. 567 00:27:02,940 --> 00:27:06,980 So far Katherine says sibling lists and DNA results 568 00:27:06,980 --> 00:27:11,540 have delivered matches for 56 half-siblings. 569 00:27:11,540 --> 00:27:16,420 It's totally possible that your mate's sister could be my sister 570 00:27:16,420 --> 00:27:20,980 thanks to clinics not checking or verifying identification. 571 00:27:20,980 --> 00:27:21,220 thanks to clinics not checking She's using social media 572 00:27:21,220 --> 00:27:22,540 She's using social media 573 00:27:22,540 --> 00:27:26,420 to track down as many half-siblings as she can. 574 00:27:26,420 --> 00:27:27,820 What's, like, the threshold 575 00:27:27,820 --> 00:27:31,260 for you to think something's not quite right? 576 00:27:31,260 --> 00:27:36,060 It's not just the daunting number of half-siblings that worries Katherine. 577 00:27:36,060 --> 00:27:38,620 How about we just let each other know who we are 578 00:27:38,620 --> 00:27:41,140 so that we don't date or have kids together? 579 00:27:41,140 --> 00:27:41,380 so that we don't date There's an urgency to her search. 580 00:27:41,380 --> 00:27:43,780 There's an urgency to her search. 581 00:27:43,780 --> 00:27:46,020 I have medical information for my siblings 582 00:27:46,020 --> 00:27:47,980 I really need them to have 583 00:27:47,980 --> 00:27:49,620 that could save their life. 584 00:27:50,860 --> 00:27:54,700 As Katherine's connected with more and more half-siblings, 585 00:27:54,700 --> 00:27:57,740 she's learned of a bowel-cancer risk. 586 00:27:58,740 --> 00:28:03,020 She says the donor also has schizophrenia. 587 00:28:03,020 --> 00:28:05,060 Why do you feel a responsibility 588 00:28:05,060 --> 00:28:05,300 to find and contact each Why do you feel a responsibility 589 00:28:05,300 --> 00:28:10,860 to find and contact each of those potentially 700 siblings? 590 00:28:10,860 --> 00:28:11,100 to find and contact each I can't live with myself 591 00:28:11,100 --> 00:28:13,340 I can't live with myself 592 00:28:13,340 --> 00:28:15,820 if I don't try to get that information to them. 593 00:28:15,820 --> 00:28:18,900 But why is it your job to get that information to them? 594 00:28:18,900 --> 00:28:19,180 It's not my job, but the clinics won't do it. But why is it your job to get that information to them? 595 00:28:19,180 --> 00:28:22,420 It's not my job, but the clinics won't do it. 596 00:28:22,420 --> 00:28:22,660 It's not my job, The clinics have had seven years. 597 00:28:22,660 --> 00:28:24,380 The clinics have had seven years. 598 00:28:30,140 --> 00:28:32,340 Melbourne IVF has told Four Corners 599 00:28:32,340 --> 00:28:35,620 it wrote to recipient families in 2019, 600 00:28:35,620 --> 00:28:35,860 it wrote to recipient families and 64% of them received the letter. 601 00:28:35,860 --> 00:28:38,980 and 64% of them received the letter. 602 00:28:38,980 --> 00:28:43,780 But the clinic didn't say what health information it had passed on. 603 00:28:43,780 --> 00:28:48,060 The clinics will only send a letter to my siblings' parents - 604 00:28:48,060 --> 00:28:50,300 the person who had the treatment - 605 00:28:50,300 --> 00:28:54,740 to an address that's potentially 20 to 40 years old. 606 00:28:54,740 --> 00:28:54,980 to an address that's potentially Is it fair enough, though, 607 00:28:54,980 --> 00:28:56,260 Is it fair enough, though, 608 00:28:56,260 --> 00:28:56,500 to say that the clinics have made Is it fair enough, though, 609 00:28:56,500 --> 00:29:01,060 to say that the clinics have made some effort to contact your siblings? 610 00:29:01,060 --> 00:29:01,300 to say that the clinics have made I think making an effort 611 00:29:01,300 --> 00:29:04,460 I think making an effort 612 00:29:04,460 --> 00:29:07,620 is very different to what they CAN do. 613 00:29:07,620 --> 00:29:07,860 is very different They can use VANISH, 614 00:29:07,860 --> 00:29:09,260 They can use VANISH, 615 00:29:09,260 --> 00:29:09,500 which is a service They can use VANISH, 616 00:29:09,500 --> 00:29:13,020 which is a service to find their updated addresses. 617 00:29:13,020 --> 00:29:17,060 They absolutely know they can use VANISH. 618 00:29:17,060 --> 00:29:17,300 They absolutely know Monash IVF told Four Corners 619 00:29:17,300 --> 00:29:19,860 Monash IVF told Four Corners 620 00:29:19,860 --> 00:29:20,100 it treats any new health concerns Monash IVF told Four Corners 621 00:29:20,100 --> 00:29:24,580 it treats any new health concerns raised by its donor-conceived people 622 00:29:24,580 --> 00:29:24,820 it treats any new health concerns seriously and sensitively, 623 00:29:24,820 --> 00:29:26,700 seriously and sensitively, 624 00:29:26,700 --> 00:29:31,220 and that it must comply with its legislative obligations. 625 00:29:32,460 --> 00:29:35,620 If someone had information for you that could save your life, 626 00:29:35,620 --> 00:29:35,860 If someone had information for you how would you feel 627 00:29:35,860 --> 00:29:37,100 how would you feel 628 00:29:37,100 --> 00:29:39,500 knowing that the clinics that created you 629 00:29:39,500 --> 00:29:43,100 and market you as a special gift, a miracle, 630 00:29:43,100 --> 00:29:45,420 and they're blocking you from having it? 631 00:29:45,420 --> 00:29:48,260 They're worried about the dividends that go to shareholders, 632 00:29:48,260 --> 00:29:53,460 not the human products that are on the other end of the treatments. 633 00:29:55,020 --> 00:29:59,820 Katherine has complained to the industry-funded regulator RTAC 634 00:29:59,820 --> 00:30:03,980 that both clinics are withholding vital health information 635 00:30:03,980 --> 00:30:07,900 by not doing more to directly contact her half-siblings. 636 00:30:07,900 --> 00:30:08,140 by not doing more to directly contact She's begged RTAC to act. 637 00:30:08,140 --> 00:30:11,260 She's begged RTAC to act. 638 00:30:11,260 --> 00:30:16,420 What did RTAC say in that response to your complaint? 639 00:30:16,420 --> 00:30:16,660 What did RTAC say in that response In response to my formal complaint 640 00:30:16,660 --> 00:30:19,740 In response to my formal complaint 641 00:30:19,740 --> 00:30:19,980 they've said In response to my formal complaint 642 00:30:19,980 --> 00:30:22,220 they've said that all they can really do 643 00:30:22,220 --> 00:30:25,460 is strongly encourage the clinics to act. 644 00:30:25,460 --> 00:30:28,980 There's millions going into making these babies, 645 00:30:28,980 --> 00:30:31,980 but nothing going into protecting them. 646 00:30:31,980 --> 00:30:34,220 Are you surprised that the regulator 647 00:30:34,220 --> 00:30:37,700 can't do more in these individual cases? 648 00:30:37,700 --> 00:30:37,980 Keep in mind that these cases are rare, can't do more in these individual cases? 649 00:30:37,980 --> 00:30:40,620 Keep in mind that these cases are rare, 650 00:30:40,620 --> 00:30:40,860 Keep in mind and RTAC has not been set up 651 00:30:40,860 --> 00:30:42,780 and RTAC has not been set up 652 00:30:42,780 --> 00:30:45,100 to deeply investigate 653 00:30:45,100 --> 00:30:45,300 to deeply investigate and regulate individual practice. 654 00:30:45,300 --> 00:30:49,820 and regulate individual practice. 655 00:30:49,820 --> 00:30:51,300 That's not its role. 656 00:30:51,300 --> 00:30:51,540 It does a good job, but its job is That's not its role. 657 00:30:51,540 --> 00:30:56,140 It does a good job, but its job is limited by the rules it works under. 658 00:30:56,140 --> 00:31:00,700 And, so, perhaps there's a need for a system that is novel 659 00:31:00,700 --> 00:31:03,460 to regulate that part of the industry. 660 00:31:03,460 --> 00:31:03,700 to regulate (BIRDS TWITTER) 661 00:31:03,700 --> 00:31:07,100 (BIRDS TWITTER) 662 00:31:09,380 --> 00:31:15,020 Lexie and Anastasia Gunn have also complained to the regulator, 663 00:31:15,020 --> 00:31:19,140 but RTAC doesn't investigate matters it considers historical 664 00:31:19,140 --> 00:31:24,060 because they predate its current code of practice. 665 00:31:24,060 --> 00:31:27,100 The couple is now suing their IVF clinic, 666 00:31:27,100 --> 00:31:27,340 The couple is now suing the Queensland Fertility Group. 667 00:31:27,340 --> 00:31:29,780 the Queensland Fertility Group. 668 00:31:31,940 --> 00:31:36,100 So, Anastasia, you're a family of five living in a farming shed now. 669 00:31:36,100 --> 00:31:38,020 Was that the plan? No, not at all. 670 00:31:38,020 --> 00:31:40,940 We'd saved up money to do our house extensions 671 00:31:40,940 --> 00:31:41,180 We'd saved up money and framed out the kids' bedrooms. 672 00:31:41,180 --> 00:31:43,020 and framed out the kids' bedrooms. 673 00:31:43,020 --> 00:31:43,260 And now we have to use and framed out the kids' bedrooms. 674 00:31:43,260 --> 00:31:45,940 And now we have to use all our life savings, basically, 675 00:31:45,940 --> 00:31:46,180 And now we have to use to fight QFG in court. 676 00:31:46,180 --> 00:31:48,100 to fight QFG in court. 677 00:31:48,100 --> 00:31:50,020 QFG told Four Corners 678 00:31:50,020 --> 00:31:51,980 it's keen to work with the family 679 00:31:51,980 --> 00:31:52,220 to find it's keen to work with the family 680 00:31:52,220 --> 00:31:55,500 to find a mutually acceptable resolution, 681 00:31:55,500 --> 00:31:58,580 but it wouldn't comment on the details of the legal claim 682 00:31:58,580 --> 00:31:58,820 but it wouldn't comment while it's before the court. 683 00:31:58,820 --> 00:32:00,300 while it's before the court. 684 00:32:00,300 --> 00:32:03,100 LEXIE GUNN: They were hoping we would just go, 685 00:32:03,100 --> 00:32:07,380 "It's in the too-hard basket," and run away or run out of money. 686 00:32:08,780 --> 00:32:10,740 And instead? 687 00:32:10,740 --> 00:32:14,260 Instead I would sell my kidneys to fight this. 688 00:32:15,660 --> 00:32:20,380 Oh, I think it's a very dangerous thing to underestimate all mothers, 689 00:32:20,380 --> 00:32:23,940 but particularly mothers of children with disabilities. 690 00:32:23,940 --> 00:32:26,180 I think they've messed with the wrong women. 691 00:32:27,700 --> 00:32:30,540 Four Corners is aware of another allegation 692 00:32:30,540 --> 00:32:33,060 that QFG used the wrong sperm 693 00:32:33,060 --> 00:32:34,580 to conceive children. 694 00:32:34,580 --> 00:32:37,060 Queensland's Office of the Health Ombudsman 695 00:32:37,060 --> 00:32:39,500 is investigating both complaints 696 00:32:39,500 --> 00:32:41,060 as well as systemic issues 697 00:32:41,060 --> 00:32:44,460 across the state's entire fertility industry. 698 00:32:44,460 --> 00:32:44,740 In the end, if mistakes have been made, across the state's entire fertility industry. 699 00:32:44,740 --> 00:32:47,060 In the end, if mistakes have been made, 700 00:32:47,060 --> 00:32:49,500 they will be unearthed at some point. 701 00:32:49,500 --> 00:32:49,740 they will be unearthed at some point. And bad publicity... 702 00:32:49,740 --> 00:32:50,980 And bad publicity... 703 00:32:50,980 --> 00:32:52,660 No-one wants bad publicity, 704 00:32:52,660 --> 00:32:57,820 so, denial, I guess, is perhaps one way of trying to avoid a problem, 705 00:32:57,820 --> 00:33:02,740 but in the end it will probably come back and, you know, bite you anyway. 706 00:33:06,100 --> 00:33:12,580 Single mum Danielle Patorniti is fighting her own battle against QFG. 707 00:33:12,580 --> 00:33:14,580 DANIELLE PATORNITI: When you have a clinic 708 00:33:14,580 --> 00:33:19,260 that continues to be deceitful and not tell full stories, 709 00:33:19,260 --> 00:33:21,860 that's what really, really annoys me. 710 00:33:21,860 --> 00:33:24,940 She's on her way to meet two other women 711 00:33:24,940 --> 00:33:30,260 who she's discovered used the same sperm donor to start their families. 712 00:33:33,300 --> 00:33:35,980 Between them they have four kids, 713 00:33:35,980 --> 00:33:39,020 all offspring of the same donor. 714 00:33:39,980 --> 00:33:43,500 The half-siblings have almost identical disabilities, 715 00:33:43,500 --> 00:33:43,740 The half-siblings including moderate to severe autism. 716 00:33:43,740 --> 00:33:47,100 including moderate to severe autism. 717 00:33:48,340 --> 00:33:50,900 Has there been any admission from QFG 718 00:33:50,900 --> 00:33:56,140 that this is genetically linked to the donor potentially? 719 00:33:56,140 --> 00:33:56,380 QFG deny everything. that this is genetically linked to the donor potentially? 720 00:33:56,380 --> 00:33:59,020 QFG deny everything. 721 00:33:59,020 --> 00:34:01,700 Even with three different mothers, 722 00:34:01,700 --> 00:34:01,900 Even with three different mothers, the same donor, 723 00:34:01,900 --> 00:34:04,380 the same donor, 724 00:34:04,380 --> 00:34:08,340 four children with allied health reports 725 00:34:08,340 --> 00:34:08,580 four children that pretty much read word-for-word 726 00:34:08,580 --> 00:34:11,060 that pretty much read word-for-word 727 00:34:11,060 --> 00:34:13,220 there's still no admission 728 00:34:13,220 --> 00:34:13,460 that it's anything to do there's still no admission 729 00:34:13,460 --> 00:34:15,940 that it's anything to do with what they're selling. 730 00:34:18,580 --> 00:34:21,660 Danielle first realised there was a potential issue 731 00:34:21,660 --> 00:34:21,900 Danielle first realised with QFG's sperm donor 732 00:34:21,900 --> 00:34:24,140 with QFG's sperm donor 733 00:34:24,140 --> 00:34:27,380 when she connected online with single mum Nikita. 734 00:34:27,380 --> 00:34:28,420 Hi! Hi. 735 00:34:28,420 --> 00:34:31,660 Nice to finally meet you. You too! 736 00:34:31,660 --> 00:34:33,900 Come and take a seat. Thanks! 737 00:34:34,940 --> 00:34:38,820 The women haven't met face to face before. 738 00:34:39,980 --> 00:34:42,580 What has it been, like, three years or something? 739 00:34:42,580 --> 00:34:46,380 But they've been swapping medical information about their sons 740 00:34:46,380 --> 00:34:46,620 But they've been swapping since 2021. 741 00:34:46,620 --> 00:34:48,180 since 2021. 742 00:34:48,180 --> 00:34:49,900 Have you heard from QFG? 743 00:34:49,900 --> 00:34:51,660 We actually did a comparison. 744 00:34:51,660 --> 00:34:57,540 So, we actually wrote down my son's conditions, her son's conditions, 745 00:34:57,540 --> 00:35:01,900 and we were like, "It's like looking in the mirror." 746 00:35:01,900 --> 00:35:02,140 and we were like, Yes, called this morning... 747 00:35:02,140 --> 00:35:03,420 Yes, called this morning... 748 00:35:03,420 --> 00:35:03,660 Concerned it was more Yes, called this morning... 749 00:35:03,660 --> 00:35:06,380 Concerned it was more than a coincidence, 750 00:35:06,380 --> 00:35:06,620 Concerned it was more Danielle and Nikita asked QFG 751 00:35:06,620 --> 00:35:09,220 Danielle and Nikita asked QFG 752 00:35:09,220 --> 00:35:13,180 to share information about their sons' matching health issues 753 00:35:13,180 --> 00:35:15,180 with other families. 754 00:35:15,180 --> 00:35:15,420 We begged them at different points, phone calls, emails, with other families. 755 00:35:15,420 --> 00:35:20,220 We begged them at different points, phone calls, emails, 756 00:35:20,220 --> 00:35:20,460 We begged them at different points, just asking, "Can you, please, 757 00:35:20,460 --> 00:35:21,860 just asking, "Can you, please, 758 00:35:21,860 --> 00:35:22,060 just asking, "Can you, please, "pass this information along?" 759 00:35:22,060 --> 00:35:23,340 "pass this information along?" 760 00:35:23,340 --> 00:35:23,580 Sharing how important "pass this information along?" 761 00:35:23,580 --> 00:35:25,820 Sharing how important early intervention is, 762 00:35:25,820 --> 00:35:29,500 sharing that, "Yes, we understand we haven't got a proven genetic link, 763 00:35:29,500 --> 00:35:33,340 "but what's the harm in sharing this information?" 764 00:35:33,340 --> 00:35:34,740 Hello?! 765 00:35:36,020 --> 00:35:37,500 Hi! Hi! How are you going? 766 00:35:37,500 --> 00:35:39,860 Good! How are you? You're taller than I thought you would be. 767 00:35:39,860 --> 00:35:41,020 (LAUGHTER) 768 00:35:41,020 --> 00:35:42,580 I have to stand on my tippy toes. 769 00:35:42,580 --> 00:35:43,860 (LAUGHTER) 770 00:35:43,860 --> 00:35:44,100 Hello. How are you? (LAUGHTER) 771 00:35:44,100 --> 00:35:46,460 Hello. How are you? Good! How are you? 772 00:35:46,460 --> 00:35:46,700 Hello. How are you? Good! 773 00:35:46,700 --> 00:35:47,460 Good! 774 00:35:47,460 --> 00:35:51,220 Then late last year they found Maree. 775 00:35:51,220 --> 00:35:55,660 Her daughter had recently been diagnosed with autism, 776 00:35:55,660 --> 00:35:59,940 and her four-year-old son's diagnosis was pending. 777 00:35:59,940 --> 00:36:03,260 When Maree told me about her children, 778 00:36:03,260 --> 00:36:03,500 When Maree told me I literally felt sick. 779 00:36:03,500 --> 00:36:05,180 I literally felt sick. 780 00:36:05,180 --> 00:36:08,220 I had goosebumps all over my arms. 781 00:36:09,540 --> 00:36:14,020 It just felt like for those three years that we had been fighting 782 00:36:14,020 --> 00:36:14,260 It just felt like for those three was sort of like just... 783 00:36:14,260 --> 00:36:17,380 was sort of like just... 784 00:36:17,380 --> 00:36:21,420 Yeah, she'd missed out on those years. 785 00:36:21,420 --> 00:36:24,500 So, during those years that you're advocating, 786 00:36:24,500 --> 00:36:27,420 pushing for QFG to tell other families, 787 00:36:27,420 --> 00:36:27,660 pushing for QFG Maree was none the wiser? 788 00:36:27,660 --> 00:36:29,260 Maree was none the wiser? 789 00:36:29,260 --> 00:36:29,500 Yeah. It was quite horrifying, Maree was none the wiser? 790 00:36:29,500 --> 00:36:32,740 Yeah. It was quite horrifying, to be honest. 791 00:36:32,740 --> 00:36:33,020 And, you know, I wouldn't change my kids for the world. Yeah. It was quite horrifying, to be honest. 792 00:36:33,020 --> 00:36:35,020 And, you know, I wouldn't change my kids for the world. 793 00:36:35,020 --> 00:36:35,260 And, you know, I wouldn't I love them and I'm so grateful. 794 00:36:35,260 --> 00:36:37,140 I love them and I'm so grateful. 795 00:36:37,140 --> 00:36:39,100 I went through a lot to have them. 796 00:36:41,020 --> 00:36:43,900 But I feel that all of the information 797 00:36:43,900 --> 00:36:44,140 But I feel that could have been shared 798 00:36:44,140 --> 00:36:45,660 that could have been shared 799 00:36:45,660 --> 00:36:48,420 has not been shared... 800 00:36:48,420 --> 00:36:49,380 ..to me. 801 00:36:49,380 --> 00:36:51,020 Is that frustrating? 802 00:36:51,020 --> 00:36:52,460 Yeah, it's frustrating. 803 00:36:52,460 --> 00:36:57,820 It's really... I mean, our children all share half of the same DNA. 804 00:36:57,820 --> 00:37:00,260 They're all experiencing similar challenges. 805 00:37:00,260 --> 00:37:04,260 I don't think the duty of care ends when the baby is born. 806 00:37:04,260 --> 00:37:09,940 Have you asked QFG why you weren't informed about the other two boys? 807 00:37:09,940 --> 00:37:11,220 I have, yeah, 808 00:37:11,220 --> 00:37:14,980 and they've never specifically answered that question, so... 809 00:37:14,980 --> 00:37:15,220 and they've never specifically Yeah. 810 00:37:15,220 --> 00:37:16,180 Yeah. 811 00:37:16,180 --> 00:37:20,140 (RAIN PATTERS) 812 00:37:20,140 --> 00:37:22,020 QFG has told Four Corners 813 00:37:22,020 --> 00:37:25,740 it's geneticists advised them there was no clinical requirement 814 00:37:25,740 --> 00:37:25,980 it's geneticists advised them to notify other families 815 00:37:25,980 --> 00:37:27,580 to notify other families 816 00:37:27,580 --> 00:37:32,180 about the diagnoses of Danielle and Nikita's boys. 817 00:37:32,180 --> 00:37:35,820 It wasn't until months after Maree contacted the clinic 818 00:37:35,820 --> 00:37:36,060 It wasn't until months about HER children 819 00:37:36,060 --> 00:37:37,540 about HER children 820 00:37:37,540 --> 00:37:40,620 that QFG decided it would advise patients, 821 00:37:40,620 --> 00:37:40,860 that QFG decided but only about the autism diagnosis. 822 00:37:40,860 --> 00:37:43,780 but only about the autism diagnosis. 823 00:37:46,140 --> 00:37:48,580 But, following further questions, 824 00:37:48,580 --> 00:37:50,980 QFG conceded to Four Corners 825 00:37:50,980 --> 00:37:51,220 that there is still one family QFG conceded to Four Corners 826 00:37:51,220 --> 00:37:55,060 that there is still one family it hasn't informed. 827 00:37:56,020 --> 00:38:00,420 There is apparently someone that's pregnant 828 00:38:00,420 --> 00:38:00,660 There is apparently and there's three embryos 829 00:38:00,660 --> 00:38:02,500 and there's three embryos 830 00:38:02,500 --> 00:38:02,700 and there's three embryos that have been created 831 00:38:02,700 --> 00:38:03,980 that have been created 832 00:38:03,980 --> 00:38:05,820 sitting in a freezer 833 00:38:05,820 --> 00:38:08,820 ready to make another three families. 834 00:38:08,820 --> 00:38:13,100 So, there are still children now being born... 835 00:38:13,100 --> 00:38:14,860 Yes. ..by using this donor? 836 00:38:14,860 --> 00:38:15,100 Yes. Yes. 837 00:38:15,100 --> 00:38:15,980 Yes. 838 00:38:17,580 --> 00:38:22,060 After us fighting and pleading and carrying on 839 00:38:22,060 --> 00:38:22,300 After us fighting and pleading for years and years on end... 840 00:38:22,300 --> 00:38:25,100 for years and years on end... 841 00:38:26,060 --> 00:38:28,980 ..the semen has never been destroyed. 842 00:38:28,980 --> 00:38:29,220 ..the semen It's continuing to be sold 843 00:38:29,220 --> 00:38:31,740 It's continuing to be sold 844 00:38:31,740 --> 00:38:35,940 as probably gold-class Australian sperm. 845 00:38:35,940 --> 00:38:39,420 I just don't understand how they can create kids 846 00:38:39,420 --> 00:38:40,980 with something that there's a higher chance 847 00:38:40,980 --> 00:38:41,220 with something of it turning into disability. 848 00:38:41,220 --> 00:38:44,100 of it turning into disability. 849 00:38:44,100 --> 00:38:46,820 It's just money. That's all it is. 850 00:38:47,780 --> 00:38:53,380 QFG says the donor sperm is still available for family extension - 851 00:38:53,380 --> 00:38:57,060 in other words, for patients who've already used the donor 852 00:38:57,060 --> 00:38:57,300 in other words, for patients and want more children. 853 00:38:57,300 --> 00:38:59,140 and want more children. 854 00:38:59,140 --> 00:39:02,700 Why wouldn't the clinic stop using a sperm donor 855 00:39:02,700 --> 00:39:04,340 in those circumstances? 856 00:39:04,340 --> 00:39:04,540 I can't quite understand that. in those circumstances? 857 00:39:04,540 --> 00:39:07,260 I can't quite understand that. 858 00:39:07,260 --> 00:39:09,060 It would seem... 859 00:39:09,060 --> 00:39:10,900 Unless it is proven 860 00:39:10,900 --> 00:39:11,140 Unless it is proven that it's not linked to the sperm donor, 861 00:39:11,140 --> 00:39:13,700 that it's not linked to the sperm donor, 862 00:39:13,700 --> 00:39:15,900 I think you have to presume that it might be. 863 00:39:15,900 --> 00:39:16,140 I think you have to presume Starting in 10. 864 00:39:16,140 --> 00:39:18,100 Starting in 10. 865 00:39:18,100 --> 00:39:21,220 (BABY SQUEALS) 866 00:39:21,220 --> 00:39:24,660 Set yourself up. You can do your split stance or you can jog. 867 00:39:25,980 --> 00:39:27,580 Alright, let's go. 868 00:39:28,540 --> 00:39:33,100 10 months on from Genea destroying her two embryos, 869 00:39:33,100 --> 00:39:36,020 Vikki is trying her best to stay optimistic. 870 00:39:36,020 --> 00:39:36,260 Vikki is trying her best OK, going into your hooks! 871 00:39:36,260 --> 00:39:38,980 OK, going into your hooks! 872 00:39:38,980 --> 00:39:40,260 What have you got?! 873 00:39:42,740 --> 00:39:44,780 Step and pass! 874 00:39:44,780 --> 00:39:45,940 Ready? Where's Mum?! 875 00:39:45,940 --> 00:39:47,460 But time is precious. 876 00:39:47,460 --> 00:39:50,260 She's now with a new fertility clinic 877 00:39:50,260 --> 00:39:53,860 after turning down Genea's offer of a free cycle 878 00:39:53,860 --> 00:39:55,180 through the public system. 879 00:39:55,180 --> 00:39:57,020 Alright, have a rest, guys! 880 00:39:58,140 --> 00:40:01,660 (PHONE RINGS) 881 00:40:01,660 --> 00:40:02,940 Hello? Vikki speaking. 882 00:40:02,940 --> 00:40:06,660 Today Vikki is receiving the results of a blood test 883 00:40:06,660 --> 00:40:10,540 to see if she can go ahead with another IVF cycle. 884 00:40:10,540 --> 00:40:10,780 to see if she can go ahead (SIGHS HEAVILY) 885 00:40:10,780 --> 00:40:12,700 (SIGHS HEAVILY) 886 00:40:12,700 --> 00:40:13,740 Gosh. 887 00:40:13,740 --> 00:40:15,700 OK. Yep. Bye. 888 00:40:19,420 --> 00:40:21,140 Hey, Chris?! 889 00:40:22,420 --> 00:40:24,620 (SIGHS) Not starting. 890 00:40:25,540 --> 00:40:27,260 Not starting? Nah. 891 00:40:29,580 --> 00:40:31,180 More bad news. 892 00:40:34,060 --> 00:40:35,540 God. 893 00:40:36,580 --> 00:40:38,580 (CRIES) 894 00:40:38,580 --> 00:40:39,940 Hang in there. 895 00:40:42,420 --> 00:40:46,260 (CRIES) It's just annoying. 896 00:40:46,260 --> 00:40:46,500 It's one thing after another, (CRIES) It's just annoying. 897 00:40:46,500 --> 00:40:48,740 It's one thing after another, isn't it? 898 00:40:48,740 --> 00:40:53,780 Oh! It takes forever to get back to the bloody starting line. 899 00:40:56,940 --> 00:40:59,140 (CRIES) 900 00:41:02,300 --> 00:41:03,780 Hang in there, babes. 901 00:41:03,780 --> 00:41:06,300 AMELIA HAWKSHAW: The trauma is still there, but... 902 00:41:06,300 --> 00:41:06,540 AMELIA HAWKSHAW: ..yeah, we're hoping to be moving on 903 00:41:06,540 --> 00:41:10,700 ..yeah, we're hoping to be moving on 904 00:41:10,700 --> 00:41:13,300 with growing our family, 905 00:41:13,300 --> 00:41:14,820 which we're really excited about. 906 00:41:16,260 --> 00:41:18,140 Yeah, and... 907 00:41:18,140 --> 00:41:19,740 Can I share my good news? 908 00:41:19,740 --> 00:41:21,500 I would love you to share your good news. 909 00:41:21,500 --> 00:41:21,740 I would love you Are you OK if I share this... 910 00:41:21,740 --> 00:41:23,380 Are you OK if I share this... 911 00:41:23,380 --> 00:41:25,060 OK, cool. 912 00:41:25,060 --> 00:41:29,980 We're really pleased that we are actually pregnant at the moment. 913 00:41:29,980 --> 00:41:30,220 We're really pleased that we are So, we're expecting in November, 914 00:41:30,220 --> 00:41:32,460 So, we're expecting in November, 915 00:41:32,460 --> 00:41:35,620 which is really huge for us. 916 00:41:36,580 --> 00:41:37,820 Congratulations. 917 00:41:37,820 --> 00:41:39,620 Thank you. (LAUGHS) 918 00:41:43,060 --> 00:41:47,380 Sophie and Josh are also expecting their second child 919 00:41:47,380 --> 00:41:47,620 Sophie and Josh at the end of the year. 920 00:41:47,620 --> 00:41:49,260 at the end of the year. 921 00:41:50,300 --> 00:41:53,460 Wonderful to have a nephew coming soon. 922 00:41:54,420 --> 00:41:58,900 I think what's important to me now is that... 923 00:42:00,020 --> 00:42:03,380 ..that patients are supported in the future 924 00:42:03,380 --> 00:42:06,620 if something like this were to ever happen again. 925 00:42:07,740 --> 00:42:12,380 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 926 00:42:17,660 --> 00:42:21,180 It's an important day for Sophie and Amelia. 927 00:42:21,180 --> 00:42:22,780 This is a good day. This is an exciting day. 928 00:42:22,780 --> 00:42:23,020 This is a good day. Yes. 929 00:42:23,020 --> 00:42:24,020 Yes. 930 00:42:26,620 --> 00:42:29,780 They're meeting Vikki at New South Wales Parliament... 931 00:42:29,780 --> 00:42:30,020 They're meeting Vikki Hi! 932 00:42:30,020 --> 00:42:30,780 Hi! 933 00:42:30,780 --> 00:42:36,220 ..hoping they'll finally gain access to Genea's investigation findings. 934 00:42:36,220 --> 00:42:38,460 Hey. Ohh! 935 00:42:38,460 --> 00:42:40,180 We're here! It's been way too long. 936 00:42:40,180 --> 00:42:42,340 (LAUGHS) How are you?! Good! 937 00:42:42,340 --> 00:42:44,620 They've all invested so much hope 938 00:42:44,620 --> 00:42:48,100 that the parliamentary process will force Genea's hand. 939 00:42:48,100 --> 00:42:50,020 Shall we? Let's. 940 00:42:51,420 --> 00:42:53,780 I'm so excited! 941 00:42:55,700 --> 00:42:57,380 JACQUI MUNRO: Hello. It's so good to meet you. 942 00:42:57,380 --> 00:42:58,780 I'm Jacqui Munro. Amelia. 943 00:42:58,780 --> 00:42:59,860 Amelia. Lovely to meet you. You too. 944 00:42:59,860 --> 00:43:00,860 Sophie. Sophie. 945 00:43:00,860 --> 00:43:03,140 Thank you so much for coming in. I really appreciate it. 946 00:43:03,140 --> 00:43:03,380 Thank you so much for coming in. But Liberal MP Jacqui Munro 947 00:43:03,380 --> 00:43:06,180 But Liberal MP Jacqui Munro 948 00:43:06,180 --> 00:43:06,420 doesn't deliver the news But Liberal MP Jacqui Munro 949 00:43:06,420 --> 00:43:09,140 doesn't deliver the news they're anticipating. 950 00:43:09,140 --> 00:43:09,380 doesn't deliver the news Essentially, the government 951 00:43:09,380 --> 00:43:11,420 Essentially, the government 952 00:43:11,420 --> 00:43:15,940 has declined to provide further information from Genea. 953 00:43:15,940 --> 00:43:20,020 So, at this stage we've asked for the root cause analysis report, 954 00:43:20,020 --> 00:43:22,900 but the government haven't pressed Genea 955 00:43:22,900 --> 00:43:25,220 to actually release that information. 956 00:43:26,180 --> 00:43:27,580 It's so important that we get... 957 00:43:27,580 --> 00:43:28,860 The women are told 958 00:43:28,860 --> 00:43:33,420 Genea has raised significant concerns with New South Wales Health 959 00:43:33,420 --> 00:43:38,340 about the public release of the root cause analysis. 960 00:43:38,340 --> 00:43:39,780 The reason that it's so important 961 00:43:39,780 --> 00:43:41,620 that we have these documents, of course, 962 00:43:41,620 --> 00:43:45,180 is because when the public system partners with the private system 963 00:43:45,180 --> 00:43:48,260 there must be accountability and transparency 964 00:43:48,260 --> 00:43:49,780 in that agreement and that arrangement. 965 00:43:49,780 --> 00:43:50,020 in that agreement We know that the taxpayers... 966 00:43:50,020 --> 00:43:50,980 We know that the taxpayers... 967 00:43:50,980 --> 00:43:53,820 They're no closer to finding out the truth. 968 00:43:53,820 --> 00:43:55,700 Of course, what does this RCA have in it 969 00:43:55,700 --> 00:43:59,460 that they're trying so hard to prevent us from seeing? 970 00:43:59,460 --> 00:44:04,220 For them, the lack of transparency is crushing. 971 00:44:04,220 --> 00:44:10,500 So exhausting that 10 months later we're still at this point. 972 00:44:10,500 --> 00:44:11,500 It's OK. Sorry. 973 00:44:11,500 --> 00:44:11,740 It's OK. It's alright. 974 00:44:11,740 --> 00:44:12,580 It's alright. 975 00:44:12,580 --> 00:44:14,580 It's frustrating. (CRIES) Take a breath. I know. 976 00:44:14,580 --> 00:44:16,500 Can we get some tissues? Yeah. 977 00:44:17,580 --> 00:44:18,620 OK. 978 00:44:18,620 --> 00:44:20,100 (CRIES) 979 00:44:20,100 --> 00:44:21,100 I know. 980 00:44:21,100 --> 00:44:21,340 It's exhausting I know. 981 00:44:21,340 --> 00:44:24,540 It's exhausting and it's frustrating. 982 00:44:24,540 --> 00:44:24,780 It's exhausting I want to keep going if we can. 983 00:44:24,780 --> 00:44:27,540 I want to keep going if we can. 984 00:44:27,540 --> 00:44:28,580 Yeah. 985 00:44:29,700 --> 00:44:31,180 We're not going away. 986 00:44:31,180 --> 00:44:32,220 (CHUCKLES WEAKLY) 987 00:44:33,860 --> 00:44:37,220 If it takes going to Parliament, if it takes going to court, 988 00:44:37,220 --> 00:44:37,460 If it takes going to Parliament, we're not going away. 989 00:44:37,460 --> 00:44:38,980 we're not going away. 990 00:45:17,900 --> 00:45:19,940 (THEME MUSIC PLAYS) 991 00:45:35,060 --> 00:45:36,820 Captions by Red Bee Media 992 00:45:36,820 --> 00:45:37,060 Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation Captions by Red Bee Media 993 00:45:37,060 --> 00:45:39,020 Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation