As we prepare for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we look forward to bringing joy to others and celebrating with family. There is no better time to celebrate the ultimate gift of family formation given by a surrogate mother. Most often than not, we see the use of a gestational surrogacy as an option for family formation. A Gestational Carrier, also known as Gestational Surrogate, is a … [Read more...] about A Gestational Carrier Gives The Ultimate Gift
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Today’s the Day: Pennsylvania Opens Adoptee Access To Original Birth Records
Adoptees born in Pennsylvania now have access to their original birth record information. The law, signed by the governor on November 3, 2016, allows adult adoptees to apply to the Department of Health for a non-certified copy of their original birth record. Birth parents can choose to have their name redacted from the original birth information. However, if a birth parent chooses to have his … [Read more...] about Today’s the Day: Pennsylvania Opens Adoptee Access To Original Birth Records
Weighing the Options for Preserving Fertility in Women With Cancer
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we review the issue of preserving fertility in women with cancer. Historically, embryo cryo-preservation has been a successful method in preserving a woman’s fertility; however, egg cryo-preservation has become an established method of preserving fertility in women as well. Egg cryo-preservation also allows for the most power over future fertility, … [Read more...] about Weighing the Options for Preserving Fertility in Women With Cancer
Not the Mama: Former Same-Sex Partner Denied Standing to Sue for Custody of Child Born and Partly Raised During Relationship
In a decision issued on October 11, 2017, the Superior Court affirmed the trial court’s decision which ruled a former partner in a same-sex relationship lacked standing to sue for custody of a minor child born during the relationship. J.W.H. was born in Florida in 2006, prior to the recognition of same-sex marriage or second party adoption in the state. He was the biological child of J.H., with … [Read more...] about Not the Mama: Former Same-Sex Partner Denied Standing to Sue for Custody of Child Born and Partly Raised During Relationship
Grief and the Law: How To Return To Work When Coping With Loss
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. After the death of a child or the loss of a pregnancy, undoubtedly, you will grieve. People react differently to a death of a child. It takes time to resume a normal life, and some may struggle. Family members and friends will reach out to console a grieving parent, but you may feel alone when it comes to trying to return to work after your … [Read more...] about Grief and the Law: How To Return To Work When Coping With Loss
Family Engagement Initiative New Focus in Facilitating Permanency
For more than 10 years, members of Pennsylvania’s Permanency Practice Initiative Workgroup have studied court and agency practices in the dependency (foster care) system with a goal to identify ways to increase family participation or a voice in the process, identify kinship resources, and promote permanency for children. The methods identified by this group are now familiar to child welfare … [Read more...] about Family Engagement Initiative New Focus in Facilitating Permanency