Information for Ovom Patients
Last updated: 07.09.26
AVA Clinic has been asked by Ovom Care, in a process approved by Portugal’s fertility regulator, the CNPMA, to act as the “receiving centre” following Ovom’s insolvency announcement. We would firstly like to reassure all patients who were being treated at Ovom, or who had reproductive tissues and cells in storage at Ovom, that AVA Clinic is doing everything possible to ensure a safe and efficient transition.
It is our duty as a healthcare provider to ensure patients are given the support and information they need. AVA Clinic has more than 25 years’ experience providing fertility treatment, and our team are working around the clock to support patients, the CNPMA and the insolvency administrator in this unprecedented situation. AVA Clinic will not receive any payment from Ovom, the CNPMA, the insolvency administrator or any other entity for accepting this responsibility.
If you were a previous or current patient at Ovom we understand that you will have questions and concerns regarding the next steps. This page is designed to share all of the information we currently have available to us. If you have not already done so, please contact us at info@avaclinic.pt so we can arrange a 1-1 conversation and answer questions specific to your case.
This page will be regularly updated as more information becomes available.
Why is AVA Clinic involved in this process?
On 27.08.26 AVA Clinic was contacted by Ovum, the court-appointed insolvency administrator and Portugal’s fertility regulator, the CNPMA, to act as the “receiving centre” following Ovom’s insolvency.
This system has been developed to ensure the safety of patients and reproductive tissues and cells in the scenario where a clinic is forced to close for any reason. AVA Clinic has no commercial or corporate association with Ovom, and is not compensated for receiving any patients or reproductive tissues and cells. AVA Clinic only has the information made available by the insolvency administrator and the CNPMA.
Our absolute priority is to ensure the safe transition of reproductive tissues, cells and medical records, and to help patients in active treatment. Once a smooth transition has been completed we will support all patients in their chosen pathway, whether that means continuing treatment at AVA Clinic or elsewhere.
Patients will not incur a cost for the transfer of reproductive tissues or cells to AVA Clinic.
Questions and answers
I'm a patient with Ovom, what do I need to do?
Patients who are in active treatment (i.e if you are currently taking or scheduled to start taking medication, or if you have an appointment scheduled for an egg collection or embryo transfer) please contact us immediately on info@avaclinic.pt. Our team is working around the clock to speak with active patients as a priority and ensure the safe and successful continuity of care.
If you are not currently in active treatment but have reproductive tissues and cells in storage, or were in a pre-treatment stage, there is no need to do anything at this point. We will actively contact all patients, regardless of treatment stage, once the transfer of reproductive tissues, cells and clinic information has been completed.
If you are unsure or have any concerns please contact us on info@avaclinic.pt with a brief summary of your current situation and our team will be happy to help.
Are my Embryos/Oocyts/Sperm already at AVA Clinic?
Yes. On 07.09.26 AVA Clinic received all cells from Ovomcare. The cryostorage containers remains sealed, awaiting receipt of the corresponding documentation, including medical files.
Once we receive and are able to review all the documentation from Ovomcare, we will start contacting patients in order to discuss next steps..
If you are currently in an active treatment cycle, please contact us at info@avaclinic.pt as soon as possible so we can advise you accordingly.
Will AVA Clinic also receive my clinical and laboratory records?
Yes. The CNPMA and the court-appointed insolvency administrator are in the process of arranging for the transfer of clinical documentation.
I'm currently in active treatment, what should I do?
Please contact info@avaclinic.pt and explain that you are an Ovom patient currently in treatment. Our team will contact you immediately to arrange a consultation free or charge. Our intention is to ensure the safe and successful continuation of all treatments currently in progress.
I'm scheduled to travel to Portugal for treatment in the near future, what should I do?
Please contact info@avaclinic.pt and explain that you are an Ovom patient scheduled to travel to Portugal in the near future. Our team will contact you immediately to discuss your specific situation and put a plan in place. Our intention is to ensure patients can continue treatment as planned wherever possible.
I already paid for treatment with Ovom, will I have to pay again?
AVA Clinic will not receive any payment from Ovom, the CNPMA, the insolvency administrator or any other entity. In an effort to minimise the impact on patients, AVA Clinic has established reduced prices for Ovom patients.
If you have already paid Ovom for some or all of your treatment please contact us on info@avaclinic.pt so we can discuss your specific case.
Will I have to pay AVA Clinic for the storage of my cells?
AVA Clinic is providing all former Ovomcare patients a six-month period of free storage of their reproductive cells, starting from the date on which they are formally notified by AVA Clinic that their cells have been received. During this period, patients may decide what they wish to do with their cells, which may either be used in treatment or remain in storage at AVA Clinic, be transferred to another clinic, or be discarded.
If you choose to keep your cells at AVA Clinic, once the six-month free storage period has ended, the standard storage fees applicable to all AVA Clinic patients will apply, calculated on a pro rata basis according to the remaining cryopreservation period. Our Patient Care Team will be pleased to explain this process and the applicable fees in detail.
If you decide to transfer your cells to another clinic within the 6-month period, no storage fees will be charged by AVA Clinic. Transport costs may be charged by the receiving clinic or the transport company, for which AVA Clinic is not responsible.
If the receiving clinic is located in Portugal, AVA Clinic will provide the information received from Ovomcare in accordance with the procedures established under AVA Clinic’s Quality Management System. The transport of the cells must then be scheduled and organised by the receiving establishment, in compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
If you choose to transfer your cells to a clinic outside Portugal, AVA Clinic will first need to request authorisation from the CNPMA (Portuguese National Council for Medically Assisted Procreation) for the transfer to take place. Once a favourable decision has been issued by the CNPMA, AVA Clinic will request from the receiving clinic all documentation and information required by law. The receiving clinic will then be responsible for scheduling and organising the transport of the cells, at all times in accordance with the applicable legal and regulatory requirements.