Friday Legal Updates - Donor Offspring, IVF Blunder in UK, Michigan Embryo Legislation & More
Well, another week has come and gone, but for those of us who are Americans, next week is the 4th of July, which means family celebrations for most. Today, I want to tell those who are still longing for a family of their own that there is hope. Be patient, get educated, and hang in there.
Now, onto the updates:
Iowa - Dead Iowan Father's Child - will his daughter receive survivor benefits. In a case similar to the one that I addressed here in California last week on my blog, her mother is trying to fight for Social Security Survivor Benefits for Byrnn, now 6, conceived through IVF two years after her father died. Again, this result is based on 150 year old Iowa law, as in the California and Arizona case, but her mother is challenging the decision - and she intends to take it all the way to the US Supreme Court.
My take on this - make certain estate planning documents are in order for the future use of your genetic material, although it would not have made a difference in this particular case.
Michigan - Michigan Lawmakers Prepare Bills to Monitor the activities surrounding the donation and destruction of embryos. The one bill in particular is called the Embryo Research and Fertility Clinic Transparency Act (Senate Bills 647-652)
New York - Fertility Authority has received investments totalling $500,000.00.
"7.3 Million Americans struggle with fertility issues and are looking for quality information and support that only www.fertilityauthority.com provides. The $4 Billion fertility industry is without a "go-to" source for accurate and up-to-the minute content. FertilityAuthority.com was launched on February 25, 2009 and has not looked back. CEO Gina Bartasi says, "Our goal has always been to provide the best fertility content on the web, and users are recognizing the quality of our site. Investors have witnessed our early success and want to be a part of our future growth."
The funds will be used to enhance the site's technology, boost revenue capabilities, generate additional content and continue to aggressively build traffic. Bartasi has not ruled out an institutional raise adding "Our clients are asking us for custom websites, online appointment booking software, expanded video content and additional technological innovation that will help their businesses grow. Our focus is to serve their needs and exceed their expectations". New clients that have already put their confidence in FertilityAuthority.com include several prominent regional fertility centers as well as specialty pharmaceutical firms Columbia Laboratories and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. "
United Kingdom - Why Am I Dark, Daddy? Another IVF blunder in the UK haunts another family.
"When ten-year-old Michael Williams climbs into his father Keith's arms for a goodnight cuddle, he will often ask the same dreaded question: 'Why am I brown?' Looking up into his father's blue eyes and taking in his light brown hair and fair skin, his son will then ask: 'How can I make myself lighter, like you?'
Keith doesn't know how to answer these questions, so he'll make a joke about how Michael was delivered by a stork or that he was found under a gooseberry bush. Anything to avoid having to tell him the truth.
For the reality is that not only was Michael conceived via IVF using donor sperm, but there was a terrible mix-up when the wrong sperm was mistakenly used by the hospital fertility clinic the couple attended in their hope of becoming parents. "
Canada - Canadian Donor Offspring has created an initiative in response to the lawsuit filed by Olivia Pratten back in October of 2008. The site is an attempt to fundraise on her behalf, as well as others in her situation. The site is located here. What are your thoughts on this issue?
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