AAARTA
Posted: 7 Aug 2013 by Cheryl Hepfer
In furtherance of my initiative in regard to the issue of international surrogacy, we have reached out to another organization which has similar concerns to ours - the best interests of the children who are conceived and born as a result of surrogacy. When I first announced this initiative, I indicated our need to self-educate and to address parentage issues that might detrimentally affect children.
We have reached out to the American Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys (AAARTA), which has invited our Fellows to attend their Symposium in Charleston, South Carolina from November 10 - 12, 2013. I had the pleasure of meeting that organization's leadership, including IAML Fellow Judith Sperling-Newton, at their meeting in Washington, DC, a few weeks ago. It was readily apparent that we have mutual concerns regarding the area of reproductive technology.
I plan to attend their meeting in Charleston, and invite you to join me. Anne-Marie Hutchinson, the Co-Chair of our Surrogacy Committee, will be a keynote speaker at the AAARTA Symposium. We believe that both of our organizations will benefit from an exchange of information and support. We foresee that the continuing dialogue will be of benefit to our members and will provide a stronger voice as we speak out for the rights of children that result from this expanding technology.
In addition to the chance to meet other professionals who share the IAML's concerns regarding surrogacy, those attending will be able to hear lectures and discussions regarding cutting-edge topics. In our attempt to self-educate, we will benefit from attending seminars put on by AAARTA.
Charleston is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, and there will be many opportunities to soak in the culture and history of the South. The weather is lovely in November, and with a little bit of luck, we might see the Monarch butterflies as they migrate to Mexico.
There is limited space for this meeting, and the early bird discount expires on August 10, 2013. For hotel and registration information, go to: http://www.aaarta.org/aaarta-page/mid-year-conference.
