More checks for embryo biopsies, overhaul reproductive tech law, DAB urges

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) has proposed stricter measures for embryo biopsy procedures and a revision of the city's reproductive technology law, following a specimen mix-up at a fertility clinic. This incident prompted the Council on Human Reproductive Technology to suspend most operations at Heal Fertility in Central.

DAB lawmaker Nixie Lam Lam argues that the existing double-person verification process does not cover every stage of embryo biopsy handling, and the current incident-reporting guidelines lack legal enforcement. She suggests amending the code of practice so that each step, from sample extraction to laboratory receipt, requires dual verification and record-keeping.

Lam also criticizes the delay in notifying authorities about the mix-ups, urging for a mandatory 24-hour reporting rule to safeguard affected individuals. The mix-up was discovered when a laboratory at the Chinese University of Hong Kong found that the specimens did not belong to the intended parents. Only one of seven specimens submitted for one woman was genuine, while neither of the two specimens for another woman matched her.

The clinic employee suspected of covering up the mix-up is currently wanted by the police. Additionally, DAB lawmaker Thomas So Shiu-tsung urges the government to clarify the regulation of dual-licensed fertility clinics, as current regulations from the Council on Human Reproductive Technology and the Department of Health are not fully aligned on incident reporting, emergency handling, or follow-up inspections.