Recent News

October 20, 2006

Hi-tech babies

The field of assisted reproduction technology has grown exponentially in recent years. Statistics claim that thirteen to fourteen percent of reproductive-aged couples are affected by infertility.

The increase over the years in the demand for fertility services may be attributed first to the baby boom generation reaching the age of reproduction at a time of technological advances. Today, mothers delaying childbearing to accommodate careers accounts for the need for assisted reproduction. At least one third of women who defer attempting conception until mid-thirties have problems conceiving, while fifty percent of women older than forty experience difficulties.

With all the advances in assisted reproduction, the technology has outstripped the law. On Friday, Nov. 3 "Hi-Tech Babies: The Legal Implications of Assisted Reproduction Technology" will examine the current struggles to "grow" new law along with babies. Dr. Steven R. Williams, Director of Reproduction Endocrinology with Mt. Carmel Health Systems, will provide a medical overview of assisted reproduction technology in his discussion of fertility impairment and hi-tech solutions. Nancy Burley, Executive Director of Adoption Circle and a licensed social worker, will provide the psychological and social issues surrounding assisted reproduction. Attorney Susan G. Eisenman will discuss Ohio law and assisted reproduction technology, including current Ohio laws, attempted solutions to the lack of statutory law, proposed legislative options and the variation between counties and courts.

This seminar is especially helpful to attorneys who practice family or probate law, those interested in the stem-cell debate or anyone who wants to get a handle on this intriguing topic.

Register online for event # 3653 at www.cbalaw.org or phone 614/221.4112. The cost is $85 prepaid/$95 day of for members, $125 prepaid/$135 day of for non-members and $55 prepaid/$65 day of for paralegals.