Serious Allegations and Patient Care Issues at Stockholm's Eliva IVF Clinic Prompt Regulatory Scrutiny

The Eliva IVF Clinic in Stockholm is facing serious allegations regarding patient care, including lost embryos, hormone overstimulation, and inadequate medical documentation, prompting an investigation by the Swedish Health and Social Care Inspectorate (IVO). This scrutiny comes after numerous complaints and reports describing injuries and questionable medical practices at the rapidly expanding private clinic.

According to reports, 33 complaints have been filed against Eliva, with many patients expressing concerns about discrepancies in their medical records. A survey by Kalla fakta found that 18 of 27 women stated their records did not accurately reflect their treatment experiences. Patients have also accused the clinic of using unscientific methods, including genetic tests that contravene Swedish law. One former patient, Iris Mäkitalo, recounted undergoing a painful procedure at Eliva without anesthesia and having her experience inaccurately documented. Although she reported her case to IVO, the agency chose not to pursue action, citing the clinic’s documentation.

Eliva has rapidly grown to become one of Sweden’s largest IVF providers, with revenues exceeding 200 million kronor in five years. Despite positive public reviews and the clinic's CEO, Kenneth Sørensen, defending their scientific methods and care quality, Region Stockholm terminated its contract with Eliva in 2024 due to ongoing quality issues and insufficient record-keeping.

Eliva’s management denies allegations of missing embryos and poor documentation, claiming they base their treatments on scientific evidence and have assisted approximately 30,000 patients, many with complex fertility challenges. However, the Swedish Health and Social Care Inspectorate continues a deeper review into the clinic’s practices amid ongoing patient grievances.

This unfolding situation raises critical concerns about the standards of care and regulatory oversight in private fertility clinics in Sweden. Patients affected report lasting impacts on their health and wellbeing, underscoring the need for stringent quality assurance in such medical services.