On January 18, 2024, Senators Tammy Duckworth (IL) and Patty Murray (WA) proposed the Access to Family Building Act of 2024 (the “Act”) to the United States Senate (S.3612). On the same date, Representative Susan Wild (PA) proposed the Act to the United States House of Representatives (H.R.7056). If passed, the Act will establish the statutory right to access in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other … [Read more...] about Federal Law Proposed to Protect IVF and Other ART Services
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Unanimous Passage of Act 48 Gives Kinship Providers New Voice in Child Custody Proceedings
On December 14, 2023, Governor Shapiro approved House Bill No. 1058, which gives kinship care providers a voice in child dependency proceedings. Enacted as Act 48 of 2023, the law expands who is able to advocate for children in these proceedings. Now, those who engage in family finding and kinship care will have the opportunity to share their opinion on what is best for children during these … [Read more...] about Unanimous Passage of Act 48 Gives Kinship Providers New Voice in Child Custody Proceedings
Mother Must Show Cause Before Partner Can Adopt Child, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Says
A mother who intended for her long-time partner to adopt a child she had with another man must first show cause as to why she and her partner can’t marry, and then establish why a requirement mandating that both biological parents relinquish their parental rights before an adoption should be excused in her case. The court’s scrutiny of the adoption process in the case –In re Adoption of M.E.L., … [Read more...] about Mother Must Show Cause Before Partner Can Adopt Child, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Says
My Two Dads: Why Court Says Paternity Test Was Warranted in Recent Pennsylvania Case
Recently, the court evaluated Pennsylvania’s legal doctrines of presumption of paternity and the doctrine of paternity estoppel in B.D. v. C.P. and D. In Pennsylvania, a child conceived or born during an intact marriage is presumed to be the husband’s child, or a child of the marriage (presumption of paternity) even if the husband is not the biological father. That presumption led to another … [Read more...] about My Two Dads: Why Court Says Paternity Test Was Warranted in Recent Pennsylvania Case
Pennsylvania Appeals Court Rejects Non-Bio Mom’s Bid for Custodial Rights
A lesbian couple planned to have a baby using in vitro fertilization, but when their marriage started to crumble, they found themselves in court arguing over custody. In a recent 2-1 ruling, the Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled in favor of the biological mother, saying there was no "enforceable contract in place" conferring rights on the bio mom’s spouse. The case highlights how crucial it … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania Appeals Court Rejects Non-Bio Mom’s Bid for Custodial Rights
A Proposed Amendment to Pennsylvania’s Constitution Could Have Huge Impact on Assisted Reproduction if Passed
An Amendment to Pennsylvania’s Constitution regarding elective abortions is under second consideration in the Senate and advancing toward passage. Although the Bill is aimed at attacking abortion rights, a significant impact on assisted reproduction is likely. In response to a lawsuit by an abortion industry seeking the requirement of public funding through Medicaid for abortions of low-income … [Read more...] about A Proposed Amendment to Pennsylvania’s Constitution Could Have Huge Impact on Assisted Reproduction if Passed
