Georgia Woman Sues Fertility Clinic Over Embryo Mix-Up That Led to Custody Battle

Krystena Murray, a Savannah-based wedding photographer, has filed a lawsuit against Coastal Fertility Specialists after an alleged embryo mix-up resulted in her carrying a baby who was not biologically hers. Murray, who had used the clinic to conceive via in vitro fertilization (IVF) with a selected sperm donor, realized something was wrong at birth when the baby did not match her expected genetic profile. A DNA test confirmed the mistake, ultimately leading to a heartbreaking custody transfer five months later.

Murray is suing the clinic and its embryology director, Dr. Jeffrey Gray, for negligence, claiming she was unknowingly turned into a surrogate for another couple. The lawsuit also raises concerns about the lack of federal oversight in the IVF industry, highlighting similar past cases where embryo mix-ups led to legal and emotional turmoil. Coastal Fertility Specialists has acknowledged the error, calling it an "isolated incident" and stating that additional safeguards have been implemented.

IVF-related mistakes are considered rare, but experts argue that without stricter regulations, such errors could continue to occur. Murray, who describes the child she gave birth to as "the most beautiful human," says the experience has left her devastated and uncertain about the fate of her own embryos. The case underscores the emotional and legal complexities surrounding reproductive technology and the need for greater accountability in fertility treatments.