Parents sue Sydney IVF clinic after doctors told mother she wasn't carrying 'Fragile X' gene - before both her sons were born with autism-like disability

  • Leighee Eastbury is suing a Sydney-based clinic for misdiagnosing her genetics
  • The mother-of-two wanted to see if she was a carrier of the 'Fragile X' gene
  • She was told she wasn't, however both her sons now suffer from the condition
  • The case was settled outside of court for an undisclosed amount

By Matilda Rudd For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

A mother-of-two is suing a fertility clinic after doctors told her she wasn't carrying the 'Fragile X' gene, despite both her sons being born with the disability.

Leighee Eastbury visited Sydney-based clinic Genea for testing when she was 20 years old fearing that she carried the mutated gene.

Her fears stemmed from the fact an uncle in her family suffers from the autism-like condition, Nine News reports.

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Leighee Eastbury visited Sydney-based clinic Genea for testing when she was 20 years old fearing that she carried the mutated gene (pictured with her whole family)

Leighee Eastbury visited Sydney-based clinic Genea for testing when she was 20 years old fearing that she carried the mutated gene (pictured with her whole family)

The clinic told Ms Eastbury she was not a carrier of the gene but this turned out to be incorrect, as she started to notice developmental delays in her eldest son Hayden a few years ago.

The family had Hayden and younger son Jake tested for Fragile X and their suspicions were confirmed.

While Ms Eastbury and her husband Philip love their children, that doesn't change how difficult some days can be.

The Sydney mother said she 'probably' wouldn't have had children if she'd known about the gene earlier. 

The Sydney mother said she 'probably' wouldn't have had children if she'd known about the gene earlier (Hayden and Jake pictured)

The Sydney mother said she 'probably' wouldn't have had children if she'd known about the gene earlier (Hayden and Jake pictured)

While Ms Eastbury and her husband Philip love their children, that doesn't change how difficult some days can be

While Ms Eastbury and her husband Philip love their children, that doesn't change how difficult some days can be

'The joys of having a typically developing kid versus one with a disability, you can't put a figure to that,' Mr Eastbury said outside the Supreme Court.

'All I know is we love our boys, and we're missing out on a lot of things a typical family would.'

Their sons are both under the age of 10 but will require specialised care for the rest of their lives. 

'The joys of having a typically developing kid versus one with a disability, you can't put a figure to that,' Mr Eastbury said outside the Supreme Court

'The joys of having a typically developing kid versus one with a disability, you can't put a figure to that,' Mr Eastbury said outside the Supreme Court

Late on Monday, Genea settled with the couple for an undisclosed amount they are reportedly 'very happy with'

Late on Monday, Genea settled with the couple for an undisclosed amount they are reportedly 'very happy with'

'They will never be able to ride a bike or drive a car,' Ms Eastbury said.

'They will never be able to live on their own and will always need someone to care for them.'

Late on Monday, Genea settled with the couple for an undisclosed amount they are reportedly 'very happy with.' 

What is Fragile X syndrome? 

Fragile X Syndrome is a genetic condition causing intellectual disability, behavioural and learning challenges and various physical characteristics. 

It is also the most common single gene cause of autism worldwide. 

Though FXS occurs in both genders, males are generally affected with greater severity. Every week in Australia one child is born who is fully affected and 20 children are born who are carriers. 

It is estimated that five per cent of people with a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum disorder also have Fragile X.

Source: Fragile X Org 

Sydney

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