LGBTQ+ Reproductive Rights in Focus: ASRM Today Podcast

In a recent episode of ASRM Today, the podcast of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, attorney Janene Oleaga, Esq., founder of Oleaga Law LLC, joined host Jeffrey Hayes and co-host Dr. Lowell Ku, along with Jennifer Maas, to discuss the political and legal forces shaping access to reproductive care for LGBTQ+ patients. The episode, released on the eve of Pride Month, is part of the show's season-long focus on LGBTQ+ issues in reproductive medicine. The conversation examined how recent legislative shifts are affecting access to fertility treatment, family building, abortion services, and gender-affirming reproductive care. The panel delved into the complicated laws families navigate, the influence of ideology on medical decision making, and the role of advocacy in protecting reproductive autonomy.

Janene Oleaga, a prominent figure in family equality, has a notable record that includes the momentous New York Supreme Court's Matter of Baby DKN decision recognizing three legal parents to a child born through assisted reproduction. She also testified before the Maine Legislature in support of LD 1906, An Act to Enable Confirmatory Adoption, which strengthened legal protections for LGBTQ+ parents through assisted reproduction, and LD 1539, An Act to Provide Access to Fertility Care, which expanded insurance coverage for fertility treatment in Maine. Oleaga founded Oleaga Law LLC to help individuals and couples build their families through assisted reproduction and adoption. Licensed in New York, Maine, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, she is a member of ASRM's Legal Professionals Group and serves on the boards of NYAAFF, New England Fertility Society, AllPaths, and the BIVF Foundation.

The full episode is available on all podcast streaming platforms. Oleaga Law LLC, a boutique law firm focused exclusively on fertility law, family formation, and reproductive rights, represents intended parents along with surrogates, egg donors, sperm donors, and embryo donors. With offices in Portland, Maine and New York City, the firm works with clients across the U.S. and internationally. Janene Oleaga built her practice on one belief: everyone deserves to grow a family, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, relationship status, or genetic connection. For those interested in learning more about the legal landscape of LGBTQ+ family building, the full episode provides valuable insights.