07.06.09
Embryonic Stem Cell Research Expands With U.S. Funds (Update2)
Click here to read the article.
06.12.09
Recent Updates
• Lori Meyers attended the Resolve Night of Hope event in NYC, celebrating the hard work of those that serve people with infertility.
• Milena O’Hara, along with Dr. Judith Daar and Dr. Mark Surrey, spoke at the Women’s Law Association of Los Angeles regarding infertility and the law.
• Milena O’Hara will be attending the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology meeting in Amsterdam in June.
• Meyers & O'Hara are proud members of The American College of Assisted Reproduction and Adoption Lawyers (ACARAL), a non-profit organization, formed to share ideas, maintain ethical standards, and promote understanding in the constantly evolving areas of third-party reproduction and adoption law. Visit the ACARAL website.
02.23.09
Nadya Suleman's Octuplets
As we begin 2009, news of the birth of Nadya Suleman’s octuplets found stature alongside pictures of Barak Obama in front page news throughout the country. It seemed everyone had an opinion about whether or not it was prudent to have transferred six embryos in a single IVF transfer procedure, and who should be the final arbiter of how many embryos would or should have been transferred. Incredibly, two of the embryos split, resulting in the birth of eight children to Ms. Suleman’s family, and suddenly there was public outcry regarding a single woman’s responsibility to raise fourteen children and the cost of their care.
This case resulted in the public’s heightened sensitivity paid toward issues squarely related to reproductive rights, including the fundamental right to procreate, and who gets to decide how IVF procedures are managed. Anyone considering involving themselves in a third party reproductive arrangement must consider the issues raised and how to respond to physicians, lawyers, psychologists, nurses and other professionals that will play a role in how your case is managed and (hopefully) controlled. The decision regarding how many embryos to transfer after cryopreserved embryos were thawed is not easy, given complicated questions regarding any specific individual’s fertility problem and what the proper course of treatment should be, as well as strong personal (even religious) values concerning the right to life and the reality of the resulting family depending on the cycle’s outcome.
The birth of the octuplets has raised our collective consciousness about the ethics involved in all third party reproductive arrangements, and reinforces how important proper case management really is. It has opened our eyes to all possible outcomes, however extreme, and the professionals you are working with should be keenly aware of what your own values and decisions might be, given a similar set of circumstances. We take seriously our role in preparing your legal contracts and conducting legal consultations during contract reviews, and will ensure that the agreements memorialize these important choices. A complete contract should serve as a “checklist” of issues to consider, so nothing is left to chance. We look forward to an opportunity to tailor your legal agreements that will honor your individual choices and reflect the start of your new family.
02.23.09
We've Moved!
We are pleased to announce official business in our new offices in Sherman Oaks. Come visit us at 13527 Ventura Boulevard, which is east of Woodman, just before Sunnyslope. We’d love to see you and have a coffee if you are ever in the area! Our conference room is well-suited for client meetings, introductions or match meetings to service our clients. Look here for further announcements regarding our “Open House!”
02.20.09
Upcoming Annual Meetings
PCRS 2009 Annual Meeting, Reproductive Medicine: Innovations, Regulations, and Clinical Applications, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort, Indian Wells, California, April 21 – 26.
European Society of Human Reproduction & Embryology 25th Annual Meeting in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, June 28 – July 1, 2009.