Ovom Care clinic closure has left IVF patients facing financial and emotional distress
British patients have been left devastated after Portuguese fertility clinic Ovom Care entered insolvency, leaving many in limbo during treatment.
Rachael and Anthony are among the patients affected who feel ‘fleeced’ by Ovom Care
The impact on patients has been significant:
💷 Huge financial losses: Some couples believe they have lost £20,000–£32,000, including money paid for treatment they never received.
💔 Treatment brought to an abrupt halt: Patients have been left having to find alternative clinics and make new arrangements for their care.
😔 Emotional distress: For those already coping with failed treatment, miscarriage and the pressures of fertility treatment, the sudden closure has added another layer of anxiety and uncertainty.
⚠️ Uncertainty over refunds: Patients who paid upfront are being directed to the insolvency process to claim for treatment that was not provided, with no guarantee of recovering their money.
At least 38 British patients are known to have been affected, with estimates suggesting around 60% of the clinic’s approximately 200 clients were UK nationals.
Stored eggs, sperm and embryos have been transferred to another clinic in Lisbon, with authorisation from Portugal’s fertility regulator.
Patients deserve continuity of care, transparency and protection from the financial and emotional consequences of clinic closures.