Georgia Woman Files Lawsuit Over Wrong Embryo Implantation, Loss of Child
Prelude
On Tuesday, Krystena Murray, a 38-year-old woman from Savannah, Georgia, filed a civil lawsuit against Coastal Fertility Specialists, a fertility clinic. The lawsuit alleges that the clinic’s negligence led to the implantation of the wrong embryo in her uterus, resulting in her giving birth to another couple’s biological child.
The Legal Proceedings
The suit, filed in state court, names Dr. Jeffrey Gray and several unnamed individuals (John and Jane Does) as defendants. The allegations cite violations of the state’s fair business practices act and gross negligence.
Murray’s attorneys allege that the clinic transferred an embryo belonging to another couple into her uterus during the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. Despite the medical error, Murray became pregnant and gave birth to a healthy baby boy in December 2023.
Emotional Turmoil and Loss
Upon seeing the child, Murray realized that something was amiss. She requested a DNA test, which confirmed her suspicions: the baby she had carried and given birth to was not biologically hers.
Despite her love for the child, Murray lost custody five months after giving birth. She has not seen the child since and faces immense emotional distress over this loss.
The Impact
"I’m emotionally broken," Murray stated in a statement released through her attorneys. "Nothing can express the shock and violation upon learning that your doctor put a stranger’s embryo into your body."
Murray’s attorneys described the clinic’s alleged mistake as a "life-altering" error that should never occur in a fertility clinic. They highlighted the devastating consequences that Murray has endured, including the loss of her child and the profound emotional pain.
The Clinic’s Response
USA TODAY has reached out to Coastal Fertility Specialists and its attorney, William R. Claiborne, but no comment has been provided at this time.
Background on the Case
Murray had chosen a sperm donor who resembled her, with white skin, dirty blonde hair, and blue eyes. She selected the clinic to assist her in becoming pregnant with her own egg and the donor’s sperm. The embryo transfer was performed in May 2023.
In late January 2024, Murray received the DNA test results that confirmed the baby belonged to another couple who also used Coastal Fertility. The clinic acknowledged its error and notified the biological parents, who filed a lawsuit against Murray to obtain custody of the child.
Murray’s family law attorneys advised her of the likelihood of losing the custody battle. Not wanting to prolong the child’s distress, Murray relinquished her parental rights during a family-court hearing in May 2024.
Damages and Jury Request
The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and monetary damages, including past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses. Murray and her attorneys are determined to hold Coastal Fertility Specialists accountable for the egregious error and the profound harm it has caused.
