Modern Family: Third Party Reproduction in New York

Dramatic medical advances in the treatment of infertility now provide men and women who might not otherwise become parents with the opportunity to have children.  As a consequence of these advances, parenthood can no longer be defined simply by reference to genetics or the act of giving birth.  While the law in most any state has evolved to keep pace with these advances, such has not been the case in New York.  As a result, New Yorkers are limited in the family building options that are available to them.  Additionally, many children born through these new technologies lack the same security in their parental relationships as other children born through more traditional methods.  This lack of legal recognition for familial relationships places these children at risk. 

In this course, attorneys Nina Rumbold and Denise Seidelman walk you through the legalities surrounding the issues of third party reproduction and present to you the need for legislative reform in New York State. 

Learning Objectives:

I.      Understand the revolution in building families as a result of Third Party Reproduction (Sperm Donation, Egg Donation, Embryo Donation, and Surrogacy)

II.     Define the important terms and comprehend the legal concepts involved in this area of law

III.    Address the shortcomings of current New York laws in addressing the parentage of many children

IV.   Develop strategies to obtain legal recognition of parentage

V.    Recognize the need for legislative reform and review pending legislation (The Child Parent Security Act)