Blogs

Embryo Custody Battles

What happens to frozen embryos after a couple splits up? An Illinois court is determining whether a woman can have custody of and implant embryos over the objection of her ex-boyfriend, who provided the sperm that created the embryos. If the woman is successful, she will be permitted to get pregnant and presumably have a child…

Talking to Your Children about a Gestational Carrier

Many clients are undecided or concerned about when and how to tell their child that he or she was conceived or born through a gestational carrier or gamete donation. Most research seems to indicate that children cope best with the information under the following circumstances: The parents address their own comfort levels with the circumstances of…

Keeping It in the Family

Tips for intended parents who are considering a gestational carrier that is a friend or family member. Choosing a gestational carrier is a huge decision that takes many factors into consideration. However, most of the time it ultimately comes down to “what feels right.” Many intended parents choose a stranger for this journey, but others…

Defining Child: Estate Planning Issues for Families with Children Born through Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART)

The legal and medical costs associated with assisted reproduction can be staggering, and as such, many intended parents tend to overlook the crucial step of ensuring that their genetic material and their child(ren) are protected in all circumstances, including separation, divorce, and death. Below are some frequently asked questions about assisted reproduction and estate planning. Isn’t a donor…

Making Gestational Carrier Conversations Less Awkward

Talking Eggs and Sperm Engaging in conversations that are full of words like “sperm” and “vaginal delivery” and “abortion” are very awkward for many people, particularly when they don’t know each other very well. Conversations about money and compensation can also be difficult for many. A gestational carrier arrangement often combines two of the most personal aspects…

The Hostile States: Ensuring That Your State Laws Do Not Prohibit Your Gestational Carrier Arrangement

The New York Times recently ran an article regarding the push to legalize gestational carriers in New York. Surprisingly, New York is one of the harshest states in terms of gestational carrier legislation, and actually forbids paid gestational carrier arrangements (women are permitted to “volunteer” as gestational carriers and to carry children for others in…

Qualities to Look For in a Gestational Carrier

Many clients have asked what they should look for when choosing a gestational carrier. Ultimately, the best answer is that they should work with someone that “feels right,” and most intended parents know that feeling when it comes. However, to offer additional guidance, here is a list of the qualities that many agencies and even…