Fertility clinics in California assailed for human-egg swaps
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A scandal over allegations of uncontrolled swapping of human eggs, improper research and financial irregularities is unfolding at three of California's most prestigious fertility clinics. More than 40 patients and seven babies may be involved in the affair, which has shaken the largely unregulated field of reproductive technology.
The University of California at Irvine has accused threeprominent physicians of misappropriating human eggs and embryos, as well as financial and research misconduct. At the centre of the row is an Argentine doctor, Ricardo Asch, 47.
Staff have told investigators that embryos were used however Dr Asch saw fit. It is also alleged that he dispensed an unapproved fertility drug from Argentina, HMG Massone, to cash-paying overseas patients.
Dr Asch also allegedly would disappear from operating rooms for up to 90 minutes to speak to his horse trainer.
He shot to fame in 1984, when he developed the infertility treatment known as GIFT - gamete intra-Fallopian transfer - where conception occurs in the body after the eggs and sperm are injected.
The scandal has spread to include a University of California medical centre at San Diego, and the Orange clinic.
Sergio Stone, another fertility specialist under investigation, is accused of throwing things, kicking walls and calling staff"pigs". The doctors contend they are victims of shoddy record-keeping by UC-Irvine employees and did not knowingly engage in any unapproved egg transfers.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments