Mother in embryo mix-up gives birth

The Sylvania Township woman who received national attention this week after announcing she was given another couple's embryos at a fertility clinic has given birth.

Carolyn Savage had a healthy boy at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo on Thursday, according to a statement released Friday night by the Savage family.

Mrs. Savage and her husband, Sean, have said they learned in February that she was carrying the child of Shannon and Paul Morell, who live in Michigan. The embryo occurred at a fertility clinic they both shared.

"At this time, we would like to offer our heartfelt congratulations to the Morell family on the birth of their son," the statement said. "We wish Paul, Shannon, their twin girls and their new baby boy the best, as they move forward with their lives together.

“Our family is deeply grateful for the support and prayers of so many people from around the world. We also would like to thank the medical professionals who provided superior care and treatment throughout the pregnancy and delivery. Our family is going through a very difficult time and requests privacy in the days ahead.”

The Savages have said they planned to give the baby to the Morells after the birth. The two couples have been in contact for months discussing plans for the baby's arrival.

Neither couple has identified the fertility clinic where the embryo error occurred, other than to say it wasn't an Ohio clinic.

Paul Manion, a Detroit lawyer retained by the unidentified clinic, said Friday an “unfortunate laboratory mistake” was made and when it was discovered the families involved were notified immediately.

“We continue to work with the families and their attorneys, Brian McKeen and Richard L. Norton, to find an acceptable resolution. This has never happened to this practice before and they are working day and night so it will never happen again,” Mr. Manion's statement said.

Mrs. Savage and Shannon Morell share the same name of Savage. It is Mrs. Morell's maiden name.

Mr. Savage has suggested the name situation may be more than a coincidence in how his wife was implanted with the wrong embryos.