In vitro error ends in settlement

TAKAMATSU, Kagawa Pref. (Kyodo) A couple forced to abort a fetus due to a mixup of in vitro fertilized eggs at a Kagawa hospital reached an out-of-court settlement Monday with the prefecture for ¥8.2 million in compensation.

After in vitro fertilization at Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital in September 2008, the wife conceived but had to abort the baby in November after the doctor informed the couple of the possibility that he had mistakenly implanted another woman's ovum in her womb.

The couple, in their 20s, sued the prefecture in February but agreed in August to the settlement terms, which the prefectural assembly approved in September.

The prefecture said in a statement Monday that it has issued a written warning to the 61-year-old doctor for inflicting a burden on the woman and discrediting the hospital. The prefecture also apologized to the couple.

The doctor also issued a statement saying: "I offer my most sincere apology for having inflicted great physical and mental burdens not only on the patient who received treatment but also on her family members. I would like to prevent a recurrence and continue to treat patients who wish to become pregnant while again deeply regretting what happened."