The Fulton v. City of Philadelphia case has been followed by many, including those with an interest in foster care, LBGT rights and religious freedoms. The decision upheld the right of Catholic Social Services (“CSS”) to refuse to certify same-sex and unmarried couples as foster parents, as certifying such couples would violate the religious beliefs of the Catholic Church. The … [Read more...] about Unanimous Supreme Court Issues Narrow Decision Regarding Government Limits on Religious Discrimination by Government Contractors
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Recent Surrogate Controversies Highlight Potential Contractual Issues to Keep in Mind
Two recent surrogacy controversies have emerged over the last couple weeks that highlight potential issues for couples looking to start a family through assisted reproductive technology (ART). New parents, Tammy and Jordan Myers, wish to adopt their twin babies after failed attempts to convince judges to name them the parents of their own biological children. While they are the biological parents … [Read more...] about Recent Surrogate Controversies Highlight Potential Contractual Issues to Keep in Mind
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Finalizes Rule, Providing Federally Funded Programs Discretion on Religious Grounds
Former President Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved a bill that would make it possible for foster care and adoption agencies to refuse LGBTQ families the ability to adopt children based on religious reasons. On January 7th, 2021, the final proposed rule was released, removing regulations barring discrimination on sex, religion, sexual orientation, and gender … [Read more...] about U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Finalizes Rule, Providing Federally Funded Programs Discretion on Religious Grounds
What To Expect: The Impact of COVID-19 on Assisted Reproductive Technology
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique circumstances and dilemmas surrounding Assisted Reproductive Technology (“ART”). On March 17, 2020. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (“ASRM”) issued guidance for its members to manage patients amid COVID-19. This guidance was created by an expert Task Force made up of physicians, embryologists, and mental health professionals. The … [Read more...] about What To Expect: The Impact of COVID-19 on Assisted Reproductive Technology
New Law Addresses Termination of Parental Rights When Child is Conceived as the Result of Rape or Incest
Act 95 of 2020 was signed by the Governor on October 30 and goes into effect in 60 days. The new provision applies to petitions filed on or after December 29, 2020. The Adoption Act allows termination of a father’s parental rights when the child was conceived as a result of a rape or incest. However, the law has also required that an adoption be pending before rights can be terminated. This … [Read more...] about New Law Addresses Termination of Parental Rights When Child is Conceived as the Result of Rape or Incest
Guidelines for Divorced/Separated Parents Sharing Custody of Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic
In this time of uncertainty, here is some good advice on how to handle custody and co-parenting issues during the pandemic from the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Also, all President Judges and District Court Administrators have been advised by Geoff Moulton, Court Administrator of Pennsylvania, that with regard to the Governor’s “stay at home” order, as to existing custody orders and … [Read more...] about Guidelines for Divorced/Separated Parents Sharing Custody of Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic
