'He's stolen these people's embryos': Couples sue SoCal doctor amid drug, mental health allegations

"Twenty-six couples from across California filed a civil lawsuit in Orange County Superior Court on Tuesday alleging that Acacio failed to inform them of his license suspension, continued to practice medicine and moved their embryos without consent from his facility in Laguna Niguel to his office in Bakersfield."

"Many patients who spent thousands of dollars for fertility treatments discovered their embryos had been moved only when they tried to schedule a transfer, the medical procedure that is the final step in the IVF process. Others learned of the relocation through social media or from other patients."

"Our first and most important goal is the lawful, expeditious but safe transfer of these embryos back to where they belong. He's stolen these people's embryos. He's held their families essentially hostage, and we want answers."

Dr. Brian Acacio, a highly-regarded fertility specialist in Southern California, had his medical license suspended by the California Medical Board in December following accusations of cocaine use and psychological testing revealing a mental condition impairing his medical practice. Despite this suspension, Acacio continued treating patients and relocated embryos from his Laguna Niguel facility to his Bakersfield office without patient consent. Twenty-six couples filed a civil lawsuit in Orange County Superior Court, alleging Acacio failed to disclose his license suspension and moved their embryos without authorization. Many patients discovered the relocation only when attempting to schedule embryo transfers or through social media. Their attorney emphasizes the priority of safely returning embryos to their rightful location and obtaining answers about the unauthorized transfers.

Read at Los Angeles Times