A MAJOR Melbourne hospital has launched an official investigation after one of its clinicians accidentally terminated a healthy 32-week old twin within a pregnant patient.

The procedure was carried out at the Royal Women's Hospital earlier this week on a woman who was pregnant with twin boys.

She had decided to abort one of the babies on the advice of doctors who told her the baby had a congenital heart defect which would seriously threaten his survival.

But the wrong baby was terminated, despite earlier checks by an ultrasound technician.

The baby with the heart problem was also then terminated after the mistake was uncovered.

A hospital spokeswoman this morning said an independent investigation would be carried out.

"This is a terrible tragedy and the hospital is deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the patient and her family," the spokeswoman said.

"We are conducting a full investigation and continue to offer the family and affected staff every support."

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1226204303788