Bloomberg News Health & Law:
States’ IVF Coverage Gap for LGBTQ+ Intended Parents Featuring Rich Vaughn

State insurance laws and health plan policies on fertility coverage are under the microscope of lawmakers and fertility organizations seeking to eliminate what they see as discriminatory obstacles to health care for LGBTQ+ individuals.

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States’ IVF Coverage Gap for LGBTQ+ Intended Parents Featuring Rich Vaughn

The Importance of Telling Children They Were Donor-Conceived

With the ever-changing landscape of modern American family life and the growing number of children being born via sperm or egg donors, the pendulum of public opinion toward this topic, once shrouded in secrecy, has swung toward acceptance and honesty. In the more than 50 years since the inception of assisted reproductive technology (ART), society has slowly adopted a more open and honest approach to telling donor-conceived children about their origin story, as research now shows that they do better in society knowing their biological roots.

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LGBTQ Couples Fight for Reproductive Healthcare Benefits

As a growing number of same-sex couples turn to assisted reproductive technology (ART) to create their families, many are disheartened to find disparities in reproductive healthcare benefits provided by employers and insurers compared to their heterosexual counterparts. In many cases, LGBTQ couples are being denied fertility benefits, because they don’t fit into an antiquated mold of traditional male and female gender roles.

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In Defense of Surrogacy: Balancing Religious Values and Individual Choices

Pope Francis recently made an absolute statement advocating for the complete prohibition of surrogacy, a position that reflects the traditional stance of the Roman Catholic Church on assisted reproductive technologies. While we respect everyone’s right to their own religious beliefs, it is equally important to consider that individuals who do not subscribe to those particular teachings should not be compelled to follow them.

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6 Things to Know Before Starting IVF

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2.3% of babies born yearly in the United States are the result of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) thanks to the work of thousands of ART professionals coupled with the determination, sacrifice, and love of thousands of so many intended parents, egg and sperm donors, and surrogates.

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Baby Born via Mitochondrial Donation Gives Hope to Families with Genetic Mitochondrial Disorders

Mitochondrial Donation Therapy offers hope to families by preventing the passing of genetic disorders from parent to child. Mitochondrial DNA is passed down from mother to child, and genetically mutated mitochondria can carry an array of incurable disorders such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, neurological problems, seizures, vision and hearing loss, muscle weakness, cognitive and developmental delays, and early death.

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To Exist or Not to Exist – Posthumous Sperm Extraction and Reproduction

Posthumous reproduction, creating genetic offspring after the death of an intended parent, raises complex social, ethical and legal issues.

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‘The Kids Are All Right’ – Study Shows Children Born through Egg Donation, Sperm Donation, and/or Surrogacy Grow Up Just Fine

A 20-year study finds that children born via egg donation, sperm donation, and/or surrogacy grow up just fine, overturning long-held assumptions that children born via assisted reproductive technology (ART) are…

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Genetic Bereavement: Managing Loss When Infertility Leaves You Unable to Carry a Genetic Child

Genetic bereavement, the loss of being able to carry a genetic child, can be all consuming and managing that grief is essential. Worldwide, 17.5% of adults are affected by infertility, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), many of whom will find out during their fertility journey that their dreams of parenting a genetic child will never be fulfilled. While they may continue pursuing their dreams of parenthood via assisted reproductive technology (ART), they will need to use donor eggs, sperm, or embryos to create their families.

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Key Factors to Consider When Selecting an Egg or Sperm Donor

There are several key factors to consider when choosing an egg or sperm donor to build your family through assisted reproductive technology. As technology has evolved and family dynamics and demographics have changed, the use of egg and sperm donors has gained in popularity. Although current culture makes choosing a donor seem like an easy process, there are in fact several aspects to consider before proceeding.

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Trends Gaining Popularity in Reproductive Health

Four new trends in reproductive health have intended parents proactively seeking their own unique path to parenthood.

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Disparities Persist in Fertility Treatment for Black Intended Parents

Disparities continue for Black intended parents with the high cost of IVF, lack of insurance mandates and diversity in the medical community

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COVID-19 Vaccination for Surrogates, Update for Intended Parents

Join Rich Vaughn of International Fertility Law Group, Dr. Said Daneshmand of the San Diego Fertility Center and  Darlene Pinkerton of A Perfect Match surrogacy agency for a discussion on…

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COVID-19 TRAVEL UPDATE: for International Intended Parents

San Diego Fertility Center's Richard Westoby talks to IFLG's Rich Vaughn about updates in the process of traveling into the US from Europe during the time of COVID-19 pandemic. Planning…

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Fertility 101 – Surrogacy & IVF

Fertility lawyer Rich Vaughn of International Fertility Law Group discusses the legal objectives and arrangements involved with establishing Parental Rights when utilizing assisted reproductive technology as an option towards the dream of becoming parents. Contact IFLG to learn about how we help parents via IVF establish Parental Rights.

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Fatherhood for Gay Men Through Surrogacy Legal Musts and Must-Nots

Watch Rich Vaughn of International Fertility Law Group as he discusses the legal musts and must-nots during his participation in this informative webinar led by leading fertility specialist and advocate for LGBTQ families, Dr. John Norian, in which he discusses 'fatherhood for gay men through surrogacy'.

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Surrogacy During COVID-19 Update for Intended Parents, Surrogates and Donors

Join Rich Vaughn of International Fertility Law Group and surrogacy professionals from all over the U.S. for the latest in a series of webinar discussions about the impacts and challenges…

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Pride Month Panel: Family Building with Assisted Reproduction for LGBTQ People

Yesterday I participated in the second weekly national webinar for surrogacy professionals, convened by the American Bar Association and SEEDS (Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy). The webinars have been a great forum for fertility lawyers, reproductive healthcare providers, surrogacy and donor agencies and non-profit advocacy organizations from all over the U.S. to share information about current conditions and issues of concern to our clients and stakeholders.

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Covid-19 Info for UK LGBTQ Intended Parents Planning Surrogacy in US

I am honored to participate in TwoDads.U.K’s COVID-19 Support Sessions on Instagram TV with an April 23 interview entitled “Travel Bans during a US Surrogacy journey.” TwoDads.U.K. is a parenting…

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Covid-19 Travel Update for International Intended Parents: Building New Pathways

Travel Issues for International Intended Parents and Babies Born to U.S. Surrogates During Covid-19:  Building New Pathways Where None Existed Before Our IFLG team has been working non-stop since the…

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COVID-19 Travel Update for International Intended Parents

Join assisted reproductive technology attorneys Rich Vaughn and Molly O’Brien of International Fertility Law Group as they share information and advice for international intended parents planning to travel for the…

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U.S. Must Help International Intended Parents, Babies Stranded by Covid-19

As the coronavirus covid-19 crisis wears on, the dilemma of intended parents from other countries planning to have babies through surrogacy in the United States has made for compelling headlines:…

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Surrogacy Professionals Coronavirus COVID-19 Update for Intended Parents, Surrogates

Yesterday I participated in the second weekly national webinar for surrogacy professionals, convened by the American Bar Association and SEEDS (Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy). The webinars have been a great forum for fertility lawyers, reproductive healthcare providers, surrogacy and donor agencies and non-profit advocacy organizations from all over the U.S. to share information about current conditions and issues of concern to our clients and stakeholders.

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International Intended Parents: COVID-19 Travel Advice for US Surrogacy, Birth

Join assisted reproductive technology attorneys Rich Vaughn and Molly O’Brien of International Fertility Law Group as they share information and advice for international intended parents planning to travel for the…

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International Intended Parents: Getting Home with Your Baby During COVID-19

Join assisted reproductive technology attorneys Rich Vaughn and Molly O’Brien of International Fertility Law Group as they share information and advice for international intended parents planning to travel for the…

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ART Attorneys Urge Emergency Action on Newborn Passports During COVID-18 Crisis

Among the many challenges intended parents are facing during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is the difficulty in obtaining newborn passports enabling them to take their babies born via surrogacy in…

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New York Governor Cuomo Reverses Hospital COVID-19 Ban on Birth Partners

Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a directive over the weekend lifting a ban on visitors for pregnant women giving birth in New York State, reversing policies implemented by two large New York hospital systems in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, according to CNN.

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LGBTQ Intended Parents Juggle COVID-19 Travel Bans, Birth Plan Disruptions

As intended parents, donors and surrogates all over the world are postponing procedures, cancelling appointments, and juggling last-minute changes to travel and birthing plans due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic,…

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COVID-19 Pandemic Forces Intended Parents to Delay Surrogacy

Yesterday I participated in the second weekly national webinar for surrogacy professionals, convened by the American Bar Association and SEEDS (Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy). The webinars have been a great forum for fertility lawyers, reproductive healthcare providers, surrogacy and donor agencies and non-profit advocacy organizations from all over the U.S. to share information about current conditions and issues of concern to our clients and stakeholders.

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Spouses, Partners Banned from Delivery Rooms in New York COVID-19 Response

As the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt the daily lives of millions, pregnant women are facing the prospect of delivering without the comfort of spouses, partners or doulas at…

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ASRM Advises Delaying Non-Urgent Fertility Treatment, New York Times Reports

In the midst of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, reproductive healthcare professionals are advised to avoid initiating non-urgent new fertility treatment, under new guidelines just issued by the American Society for…

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ART Professionals Share Info for Surrogates, Intended Parents Navigating COVID-19

I was honored to participate recently in a national surrogacy professionals COVID-19 webinar designed to share information and best practices to help surrogates and intended parents plan and cop during the crisis.

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Washington Legalizes Compensated Surrogacy

­­Congratulations to Washington State, which just became the first state to enact UPA 2017, the updated Uniform Parentage Act for use by U.S. states as uniform legislation for parentage laws,…

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Path2Parenthood “Illuminations 2018” Honor Inspires Humility, Pride

For the past decade I have been involved as a member, board member, sponsor and active participant in Path2Parenthood (formerly known as the American Fertility Association), a national non-profit organization…

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First LGBT Love, Then Same-Sex Marriage… Now Where Best to Fill the Baby Carriage?

Navigating the Legal Maze for LGBT Intended Parents and Surrogacy Only a few short years ago, the idea of gay and lesbian couples having the same legal rights to marry…

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French Court Creates Parentage Path in Foreign Surrogacy

A July 5 ruling by the French supreme court, or Cour de cassation, has brought some clarity but not necessarily made things any easier for French intended parents seeking French…

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Asia Trip Reminds of Continued Relevance of LGBT Pride Month

As an attorney with a busy practice, a husband and a father of two boys, my days usually fly by juggling responsibilities and deadlines, and there isn’t much time for…

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Cambodia Offers Vietnam Exit Plan for Families Stranded by Surrogacy Ban

The Cambodian government finally took action last month to resolve a legal quandary that trapped dozens of foreign couples and their unborn or newborn children in the country following its…

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Federal Court Says South Carolina Refusal to Recognize Same-Sex Moms Unconstitutional

A U.S. District Court ruled Feb. 16 that South Carolina’s refusal to list both parents on the birth certificates of twins born to a married lesbian couple violates the 14th…

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Tennessee Lawmakers Propose Barrier for Married Lesbian Parents

The wheels of progress turn slowly, and in some parts of the world, leaders stand on the brakes, bring it to a screeching halt, then do their best to roll…

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European Court Rules Italy Did Not Violate Intended Parents’ Rights in Taking Child Born Via ART

Last year we applauded a decision by the European Court of Human Rights that the Italian government violated the rights of an Italian couple in removing from their home the…

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Italian court says twins born to gay dads not legal brothers

In the realm of “good news/bad news,” twin boys born to a gay Italian couple via in vitro fertilization and surrogacy in California will be recognized as Italian citizens, an…

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