Prominent SoCal fertility doctor accused of stealing couples' embryos

Dr. Brian Acacio allegedly moved dozens of embryos without patients' knowledge after his medical license was suspended

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A prominent Southern California fertility doctor, Dr. Brian Acacio, has been accused in a lawsuit of taking dozens of couples' frozen embryos without their permission after his medical license was suspended. Acacio, who was previously invited to the State of the Union address by a Democratic congressman, allegedly moved the embryos from his clinic in Laguna Niguel to Bakersfield, leaving the couples distraught and unsure of their embryos' whereabouts.

Why it matters

This case raises serious concerns about patient trust and the ethical obligations of medical professionals, especially in the sensitive field of fertility treatment. The alleged actions of Dr. Acacio have left many couples feeling violated and uncertain about the fate of their embryos, which are deeply personal and valuable to them.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Dr. Acacio continued to see patients and perform procedures even after his medical license was suspended by the California Medical Board for drug use violations. When patients tried to schedule embryo transfers, they discovered the embryos had been moved without their knowledge to a facility in Bakersfield, about three hours north. The lawsuit claims Acacio refused to return the embryos unless the couples signed documents absolving him of responsibility.

  • In October 2025, Dr. Acacio's medical license was placed under restrictions that required him to abstain from controlled substances and submit to drug testing.
  • On December 30, 2025, the Medical Board of California issued a cease-practice order barring Acacio from treating patients after he allegedly violated the license restrictions.
  • Around the time of the license suspension, Acacio's Laguna Niguel clinic was forced to close after falling more than $240,000 behind on rent.

The players

Dr. Brian Acacio

A prominent Southern California fertility doctor who had his medical license suspended by the California Medical Board for drug use violations.

Representative Mike Levin

A Democratic California congressman who invited Dr. Acacio to attend President Biden's 2024 State of the Union address, praising Acacio's "life-changing fertility work."

Christina Chandler

One of the couples suing Dr. Acacio, who expressed the emotional devastation of the ordeal and her desire to have their embryos returned.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't know where our embryos are, I don't know if they're OK. It's like a hostage situation. I feel like they were kidnapped.”

— Christina Chandler, Plaintiff in the lawsuit against Dr. Acacio (KTLA)

“When patients began to find out about what had happened, they demanded the immediate return of their embryos. Dr. Acacio refused, stating he would not give back the embryos unless patients signed a document absolving him of any responsibility for his conduct.”

— Robert Marcereau, Attorney for the plaintiffs (KTLA)

“Our first and most important goal is the lawful, expeditious but safe transfer of these embryos back to where they belong. He's stolen these people's embryos. He's held their families essentially hostage, and we want answers.”

— Benjamin Ikuta, Attorney for the plaintiffs (KTLA)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to order the immediate return of the couples' embryos to their rightful owners.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for strict oversight and accountability in the fertility industry, where patients entrust medical professionals with their most personal and valuable reproductive assets. It raises questions about the ethical obligations of doctors and the potential consequences when those obligations are violated.