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Couple Sues Pharmaceutical Giant Over Lost IVF Embryos
Margarita Komarova and Colin McDarmont were devastated to learn that their IVF embryos were discarded due to a defective culture media used by CooperSurgical. The couple alleges that the pharmaceutical company failed to properly test the solution, resulting in the loss of their chance to have a biological child.
They have filed a $15 million lawsuit against CooperSurgical, claiming gross negligence. Komarova and McDarmont hope to force the company to disclose details of the incident and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The couple’s ordeal began in November 2023 when they underwent their fourth round of IVF. Six promising embryos were initially identified, but days later they were notified that the embryos had failed to develop.
CooperSurgical issued a recall notice in January 2024, acknowledging that three lots of the culture media lacked magnesium, an essential nutrient for embryo development. Komarova and McDarmont believe the defective solution is responsible for the loss of their embryos.
The lawsuit alleges that CooperSurgical failed to monitor its manufacturing process adequately, leading to the error. The couple has experienced significant emotional and physical distress as a result of the incident.
Despite the setback, Komarova and McDarmont have undergone a fifth and final round of IVF, resulting in frozen embryos. However, Komarova remains apprehensive about the upcoming embryo transfer, fearing that it may not be successful.