461

AUL Model Legislation HUMAN CLONING PROHIBITION ACT HOUSE/SENATE BILL No. ______ By Representatives/Senators ____________ Section 1. Title. This Act may be known and cited as the “Human Cloning Prohibition Act.” Section 2. Legislative Findings. (a)

The [Legislature] of the state of [Insert name of State] finds that: (1)

At least one company has announced that it has successfully cloned a human being at an early embryonic stage of life, and others have announced that they will attempt to clone a human being using the technique known as somatic cell nuclear transfer.

(2)

Efforts to create human beings through cloning mark a new and decisive step toward turning human reproduction into a manufacturing process in which human beings are made in laboratories to preordained specifications and, potentially, in multiple copies.

(3)

Creating cloned live-born human children, or “cloning-to-produce-children,” begins by creating cloned human beings at the embryonic stage of life, a process which some also propose as a way of creating human embryos for destructive research as sources of stem cells and tissues for possible treatment of other humans, or “cloning-for-biomedical-research.”

(4)

Many scientists agree that attempts at “cloning-to-produce-children” pose a massive risk of producing children who are stillborn, unhealthy, or severely disabled, and that attempts at “cloning-for-biomedical-research” always result in the destruction of human beings at the embryonic stage of life when their stem cells are harvested.

(5)

The prospect of creating new human life, solely to be exploited (“cloning-

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462 to-produce-children”) or destroyed (“cloning-for-biomedical-research”) in these ways, has been condemned on moral grounds by many as displaying a profound disrespect for life. (6)

The distinction between so-called “therapeutic” and “reproductive” cloning is a false distinction scientifically because both begin with the reproduction of a human being at the embryonic stage of life, one destined for implantation in a womb and one destined for destructive farming of its stem cells. Regardless of its ultimate destiny, all human embryos are simultaneously human beings.

(7)

It will be nearly impossible to ban only attempts at “cloning-to-producechildren” if “cloning-for-biomedical-research” is allowed because cloning would take place within the privacy of a doctor-patient relationship; the implantation of embryos to begin a pregnancy is a simple procedure; and any government effort to prevent the implantation of an existing cloned embryo or to prevent birth once implantation has occurred would raise substantial moral, legal, and practical issues.

(b) Based on the findings above, it is the purpose of this Act to prohibit the use of cloning technology to initiate the development of new human beings at the embryonic stage of life for any purpose. Section 3. Definitions. For purposes of this Act: (a) “Human cloning” means human asexual reproduction, accomplished by (1) introducing the genetic material from one or more human somatic or embryonic cells into a fertilized or unfertilized oocyte whose nuclear material has been removed or inactivated before or after introduction, so as to produce an organism at any stage of development with a human or predominantly human genetic constitution; (2) artificially subdividing a human embryo at any time from the two-cell stage onward, such that more than one human organism results; or (3) introducing pluripotent cells from any source into a human embryo, nonhuman embryo, or artificially-manufactured human embryo or trophoblast, under conditions where the introduced cells generate all or most of the body tissues of the developing organism. (b) “Somatic cell” means a cell having a complete set of chromosomes obtained from a living or deceased human body at any stage of development. (c) “Embryo” means an organism of the species homo sapiens from the single cell stage to eight weeks development.

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463 (d) “Fetus” means an organism of the species homo sapiens from eight (8) weeks development until complete expulsion or extraction from a woman’s body, or removal from an artificial womb or other similar environment designed to nurture the development of such organism. (e) “Pluripotent cells” means stem cells possessing the ability to give rise to most or all of the various cell types that make up the body. One demonstration of pluripotency is the ability, even after prolonged culture, to form derivatives of all three embryonic germ layers from the progeny of a single cell. Section 4. Prohibitions. It shall be unlawful for any person or entity, public or private, to intentionally or knowingly: (a)

Perform or attempt to perform human cloning;

(b)

Participate in an attempt to perform human cloning;

(c)

Transfer or receive the product of human cloning for any purpose; or

(d) Transfer or receive, in whole or in part, any oocyte, embryo, fetus, or human somatic cell for the purpose of human cloning. Section 5. Exceptions. Nothing in this Act shall restrict areas of scientific research not specifically prohibited by this Act, including in vitro fertilization; the administration of fertility-enhancing drugs; research in the use of nuclear transfer or other cloning techniques to produce molecules, DNA, tissues, organs, plants, animals other than humans or cells other than human embryos. Section 6. Penalties. (a)

(b)

Criminal Penalties: (1)

Any person or entity that violates Sections 4(a) or 4(b) of this Act shall be guilty of a [Insert appropriate penalty/offense classification].

(2)

Any person or entity that violates Sections 4(c) or 4(d) of this Act shall be guilty of a [Insert appropriate penalty/offense classification].

Civil Penalty. Any person or entity that violates any provision of this Act and derives a

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464 pecuniary gain from such violation shall be fined [Insert amount] or twice the amount of gross gain, or any amount intermediate between the foregoing, at the discretion of the court. (c) Unprofessional Conduct. Any violation of this Act shall constitute unprofessional conduct pursuant to [Insert appropriate statutes for (1) medical doctors and surgeons and (2) osteopathic doctors] and shall result in permanent revocation of the violator’s license to practice medicine. (d) Trade, Occupation, or Profession. Any violation of this Act may be the basis for denying an application for, denying an application for the renewal of, or revoking any license, permit, certificate, or any other form of permission required to practice or engage in a trade, occupation, or profession. Section 7. Severability. Any provision of this Act held to be invalid or unenforceable by its terms, or as applied to any person or circumstance, shall be construed so as give it the maximum effect permitted by law, unless such holding shall be one of utter invalidity or unenforceability, in which event such provision shall be deemed severable here from and shall not affect the remainder hereof or the application of such provision to other persons not similarly situated or to other, dissimilar circumstances. Section 8. Right of Intervention. The [Legislature], by joint resolution, may appoint one or more of its members who sponsored or co-sponsored this Act, as a matter of right and in his or her official capacity, to intervene to defend this law in any case in which its constitutionality is challenged. Section 9. Effective Date. This Act takes effect on [Insert date].

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465

DESTRUCTIVE HUMAN EMBRYO RESEARCH ACT HOUSE/SENATE BILL No. ____ Sponsored by Representatives/Senators __________ Section 1. Title. This Act may be known and cited as the “Destructive Human Embryo Research Act.” Section 2. Legislative Findings and Purpose. (a)

The [Legislature] of the State of [Insert name of State] finds that: (1)

Human embryos are human beings at the earliest stage of development;

(2)

Some human embryos are being created and then destroyed to obtain stem cells for research;

(3)

Destructive human embryo research to obtain embryonic stem cells raises grave moral, ethical, scientific, and medical issues that must be addressed;

(4)

The moral justification of medical or scientific research cannot be based upon the dehumanizing and utilitarian premise that the end justifies any means; and

(5)

Medical research and treatment does not require the destruction of human life, because it can be ethically pursued in other ways, including the use of adult stem cells.

(b) Accordingly, it is the purpose of this Act to prohibit destructive human embryo research. Section 3. Definitions. For purposes of this Act: (a) “Human embryo” means an organism with a human or predominately human genetic constitution, from a single cell up to eight (8) weeks of development, that is derived by fertilization, parthenogenesis, cloning (also known as “somatic cell nuclear transfer”), or any other means from one or more human gametes or human diploid cells.

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466 (b)

“Gamete” means a human sperm or unfertilized human ovum.

(c) “Destructive research” means medical procedures, scientific or laboratory research, or other kinds of investigation that kill or injure the subject of such research. It does not include: (1)

In vitro fertilization and accompanying embryo transfer to a woman’s body, or

(2)

Research in the use of nuclear transfer or other cloning techniques to produce molecules; deoxyribonucleic acid; or cells other than human embryos, tissues, organs, plants, or animals other than humans; or

(3)

Any diagnostic procedure that benefits the human embryo subject to such tests, while not imposing risks greater than those considered acceptable for other human research subjects.

Section 4. Prohibitions. It shall be unlawful for any person to: (a)

Intentionally or knowingly conduct destructive research on a human embryo;

(b) Buy, sell, receive, or otherwise transfer a human embryo with the knowledge that such embryo will be subjected to destructive research; or (c) Buy, sell, receive, or otherwise transfer gametes with the knowledge that a human embryo will be produced from such gametes to be used in destructive research. Section 5. Sanctions. (a) Whoever violates Section 4(a) shall be guilty of a [Iappropriate penalty/offense classification] for each violation. (b) Whoever violates Section 4(b) shall be guilty of a [Insert appropriate penalty/offense classification] for each violation. (c) Whoever violates Section 4(c) shall be guilty of a [Insert appropriate penalty/offense classification] for each violation. Section 6. Severability. Any provision of this Act held to be invalid or unenforceable by its terms, or as applied to any

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467 person or circumstance, shall be construed so as give it the maximum effect permitted by law, unless such holding shall be one of utter invalidity or unenforceability, in which event such provision shall be deemed severable here from and shall not affect the remainder hereof or the application of such provision to other persons not similarly situated or to other, dissimilar circumstances. Section 7. Right of Intervention. The [Legislature], by joint resolution, may appoint one or more of its members who sponsored or co-sponsored this Act, as a matter of right and in his or her official capacity, to intervene to defend this law in any case in which its constitutionality is challenged. Section 8. Effective Date. This Act takes effect on [Insert date].

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PROHIBITION ON PUBLIC FUNDING OF HUMAN CLONING AND DESTRUCTIVE EMBRYO RESEARCH ACT HOUSE/SENATE Bill No.____ By Representatives/Senators______________ Section 1. Short Title. This Act may be cited as the “Prohibition on Public Funding of Human Cloning and Destructive Embryonic Stem-Cell Research Act.” Section 2. Legislative Findings and Purpose. (a)

The [Legislature] of the State of [Insert name of State] finds that: (1)

The prospect of creating new human life solely to be exploited or destroyed has been condemned on moral grounds as displaying a profound disrespect for human life.

(2)

Destructive human embryo research reduces the status of human beings from ends in themselves to a mere means to another’s possible benefit.

(3)

The moral justification of medical or scientific research cannot be based upon the dehumanizing and utilitarian premise that the ends justify any means.

(4)

Ethical research—research not involving human cloning and destructive embryonic stem-cell research—has proven more promising than destructive research. For example, so-called “therapeutic cloning” has thus far made no valuable therapeutic advancements, while research with ethically-obtained adult stem cells has already produced significant and valuable contributions and improved patient health. Adult stem-cell contributions have included heart tissue regeneration; corneal reconstruction; treatment for autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, lupus, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis; and treatment for leukemia and other related bone and blood cancers.

(5)

Moreover, recent and promising advances in “reprogramming” human cells to behave as if in an embryonic state render controversial cloned human embryos unnecessary for use in embryonic stem-cell research.

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470 (6)

Cloning embryos and destructive embryonic stem-cell research require human egg cells, which are highly expensive to obtain.

(7)

Harvesting human egg cells also poses significant health risks to women. Such risks include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, damage to internal organs or blood vessels, infertility, depression, and death.

(8)

Harvesting human egg cells for research, whether women are compensated or not, could result in the commoditization of women.

(9)

Public opinion is divided over the deep, conflicting moral and ethical concerns on matters related to payment to women for access to their human egg cells. Providing public funds to be exchanged in these transactions would be a misuse of revenue collected by this State.

(10)

Public opinion is similarly divided over the deep, conflicting moral and ethical concerns surrounding the creation and destruction of human embryos. Providing public funds to such research would be a misuse of revenue collected by this State.

(b) The [Legislature]’s purpose in enacting this ban on taxpayer funding is to further the important and compelling state interests of:

(1)

Respecting life and fostering a culture of life;



(2)

Limiting public expenditures;

(3)

Directing public expenditures away from funding research that has not yielded any significant scientific contributions;

(4)

Directing public expenditures toward funding research that has already yielded significant contributions for patients;

(5) Relieving the consciences of taxpayers concerned about the possible exploitation of women that may result from payment for human egg cells; and (6)

Relieving the consciences of those resident taxpayers who object to human cloning and destructive embryonic stem-cell research.

Americans United for Life

471 Section 3. Definitions. For the purposes of this Act: (a) “Human cloning” ” means human asexual reproduction, accomplished by (1) introducing the genetic material from one or more human somatic or embryonic cells into a fertilized or unfertilized oocyte whose nuclear material has been removed or inactivated before or after introduction, so as to produce an organism at any stage of development with a human or predominantly human genetic constitution; (2) artificially subdividing a human embryo at any time from the two-cell stage onward, such that more than one human organism results; or (3) introducing pluripotent cells from any source into a human embryo, nonhuman embryo, or artificially-manufactured human embryo or trophoblast, under conditions where the introduced cells generate all or most of the body tissues of the developing organism. (b) “Somatic cell” means a cell having a complete or nearly complete set of chromosomes obtained from a living or deceased human body at any stage of development. (c) “Human embryo” ” means an organism with a human or predominately human genetic constitution, from a single cell up to eight (8) weeks of development, that is derived by fertilization, parthenogenesis, cloning (also known as “somatic cell nuclear transfer”), or any other means from one or more human gametes or human diploid cells. (d) “Embryonic stem cell” means a stem cell obtained from an embryo of the same species. (e) “Destructive research” means medical procedures, scientific or laboratory research, or other kinds of investigation that kill or injure the subject of such research. It does not include: (1)

In vitro fertilization and accompanying embryo transfer to a woman’s body;

(2)

Research in the use of nuclear transfer or other cloning techniques to produce molecules; deoxyribonucleic acid; cells other than human embryos, tissues, organs, plants, or animals other than humans; or

(3)

Any diagnostic procedure that benefits the human embryo subject to such tests, while not imposing risks greater than those considered acceptable for other human research subjects.

Defending Life 2012

472 (f) “Pluripotent cells” means stem cells possessing the ability to give rise to most or all of the various cell types that make up the body. One demonstration of pluripotency is the ability, even after prolonged culture, to form derivatives of all three embryonic germ layers from the progeny of a single cell. (g) “Public funds” means, but is not limited to: (1)

Any monies received or controlled by the state or any official, department, division, agency, or educational or political subdivision thereof, including but not limited to monies derived from federal, state, or local taxes, gifts, or grants from any source; settlements of any claims or causes of action, public or private; bond proceeds or investment income; federal grants or payments; or intergovernmental transfers; and

(2)

Any monies received or controlled by an official, department, division, or agency of state government or any educational or political subdivision thereof, or to any person or entity pursuant to appropriation by the [Legislature] or governing body of any political subdivision of this State.

Section 4. Human Cloning and Destructive Embryonic Stem-Cell Research Against Public Policy. The [Legislature] declares that public funding of human cloning and destructive embryonic stem-cell research is against public policy. Section 5. Prohibition. (a) No public funds shall be used to finance human cloning or destructive embryonic stemcell research. The State, a state educational institution, or a political subdivision of the State may not use public funds, facilities, or employees to knowingly destroy human embryos for the purpose of research or knowingly participate in human cloning or attempted human cloning. (b) No public funds shall be used to buy, receive, or otherwise transfer a human embryo with the knowledge that such embryo will be subjected to destructive research; (c) No public funds shall be used to buy, receive, or otherwise transfer gametes with the knowledge that a human embryo will be produced from such gametes to be used in destructive research. This Section will go into effect notwithstanding any other law in the State.

Americans United for Life

473 Section 6. Exceptions. Nothing in this Act shall restrict the funding of areas of scientific research not specifically prohibited by this Act, including: (a)

In vitro fertilization and accompanying embryo transfer to a woman’s body;

(b)

The administration of fertility enhancing drugs;

(c) Research in the use of nuclear transfer or other cloning techniques to produce molecules; deoxyribonucleic acid; tissues, organs, plants, or animals other than humans, or cells other than human embryos; and (d) Any diagnostic procedure that benefits the human embryo subject to such tests, while not imposing risks greater than those considered acceptable for other human research subjects Section 7. Penalties. (a) Criminal Penalty. Any person or entity that knowingly fails or refuses to comply with this Act is guilty of a [Insert class felony or misdemeanor]. (b) Civil Penalty. Any person or entity that knowingly fails or refuses to comply with this Act shall be fined [Insert amount]. (c) Trade, Occupation, or Profession. Any violation of this Act may be the basis for denying an application for, denying an application for the renewal of, or revoking any license, permit, certificate, or any other form of permission required to practice or engage in a trade, occupation, or profession. Section 8. Severability. Any provision of this Act held to be invalid or unenforceable by its terms, or as applied to any person or circumstance, shall be construed so as to give it the maximum effect permitted by law, unless such holding shall be one of utter invalidity or unenforceability, in which event such provision shall be deemed severable here from and shall not affect the remainder hereof or the application of such provision to other persons not similarly situated or to other, dissimilar circumstances. Section 9. Right of Intervention. The [Legislature], by joint resolution, may appoint one or more of its members, who sponsored

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474 or cosponsored this Act in his or her official capacity, to intervene as a matter of right to defend this law in any case in which its constitutionality is challenged. Section 10. Standing. The provisions of this Act shall inure to the benefit of all residents of this State. Any taxpayer of this State or any political subdivision of this State shall have standing to bring suit against the State or any official, department, division, agency, or political subdivision of this State, and any recipient of public funds who or which is in violation of this Act in any court with jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of this Act. Section 11. Effective Date. This Act takes effect on [Insert date].

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475

ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES DISCLOSURE AND RISK REDUCTION ACT HOUSE/SENATE BILL No. ______ By Representatives/Senators _____________ Section 1. Title. This Act may be known and cited as the “Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Disclosure and Risk Reduction Act.” Section 2. Legislative Findings and Purposes. (a)

The [Legislature] of the State of [Insert name of State] finds that: (1)

Infertility is of grave concern to many couples and individuals who want to be parents.

(2)

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a growing, multi-billion dollar annual industry that serves an increasing number of patients.

(3)

ART procedures are expensive. Each [treatment] cycle can cost $10,000 to $15,000, or more.

(4)

Full information about the costs and risks of ART is necessary for patients to evaluate ART, including the risks associated with multiple gestation.

(5)

Only one federal statute, the “Fertility Clinic Success Rate and Certification Act of 1992” (42 USCA §263a-1 et seq), directly regulates ART procedures by requiring the reporting of clinic success rates.

(6)

ART is subject to little state regulation.

(7)

A number of other nations regulate specific aspects of ART, including the number of embryos that can be created. Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sweden, and Switzerland limit the number of embryos (from two to four) that can be transferred per treatment cycle. Specifically, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland limit transfers to, at most, three (3) embryos per treatment cycle. The United Kingdom limits the

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476 number transferred to two (2) embryos per treatment cycle.

(b)

(8)

Voluntary self-regulation of ART programs is not completely effective. Not all ART programs or facilities are members of professional organizations, like the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) or the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Moreover, the professional organizations do not independently confirm that their members follow their voluntary guidelines.

(9)

In most cases, ART involves the creation of multiple embryos, some of which are not subsequently used in the implantation (transfer) procedure.

(10)

This State has an interest in ensuring protection for mothers who undergo ART and for the future health of children conceived through ART.

(11)

Informed consent is one of the core principles of ethical medical practice and every patient has a right to information pertinent to an invasive medical procedure. Further, ART is unique because it produces a third party--the prospective child--who must also be considered and protected.

(12)

Thorough recordkeeping and reporting are necessary to ensure meaningful public education about the rates of success and the costs, risks, and benefits of ART and to ensure proper accountability.

(13)

One problem associated with ART is high-order multiple pregnancies (three or more embryos implanting) and the associated health risks to mother and children, for which the economic burdens for parents and society are significant.

(14)

Fetal reduction in the event of a high-order multiple pregnancy involves significant risks to the mother and to prospective children subsequently born.

Based on the findings in Subsection (a) of this Section, the purpose of this Act is to: (1)

Protect the safety and well-being of women using ART and the children conceived through ART;

(2)

Establish standards for obtaining informed consent from couples and individuals seeking ART;

(3)

Require adequate reporting for facilities providing ART services;

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477

(4)

Stem the proliferation of cryopreserved human embryos being stored in fertility clinics [and bring the State of [Insert name of State] into line with international norms] by limiting the number of embryos that can be created in any reproductive cycle;

(5)

Reduce the risk of high-order multiple gestations and the risk of pre-maturity and other complications to mothers and children by limiting the number of embryos transferred in any reproductive cycle;



(6)

Reduce the risks of fetal reduction to mothers and children; and



(7)

Institute annual reporting requirements to the [Insert name of State health department or other appropriate agency].

Section 3. Definitions. For purposes of this Act only: (a) “Assisted reproductive technology (ART)” means all clinical treatments and laboratory procedures which include the handling of human eggs and sperm, or embryos, with the intent of establishing a pregnancy. It includes in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), and such other specific technologies as the [Department of Health] may include in this definition. (b) “ART facility” or “facility” means any public or private organization, corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, association, agency, network, joint venture, or other entity that is involved in providing assisted reproductive technology, including but not limited to: hospitals, clinics, medical centers, ambulatory surgical centers, private physician’s offices, pharmacies, nursing homes, university medical schools and nursing schools, medical training facilities, or other institutions or locations wherein assisted reproductive technology is offered to any person. (c) “ART program” or “program” means all treatments or procedures which include the handling of both human eggs and sperm. (d) “Department” means the state [Insert name of State health department or other appropriate agency]. (e) “Embryo” means the developing human organism however generated, beginning with the diploid cell resulting from the fusion of the male and female pronuclei, or from somatic cell

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478 nuclear transfer, or by other means, until approximately the end of the second (2nd) month of development. (f)

“Gamete” means human egg (oocyte) or sperm.

(g)

“Fetal reduction” means the induced termination of one or more embryos or fetuses.

Section 4. Informed Consent. (a) All ART programs providing assisted reproductive technologies must, at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to obtaining a signed contract for services, provide patients with the following information in writing, and obtain a signed disclosure form before services commence: (1)

Description of the procedure(s)

(2)

Outcomes and success: a. The likelihood that the patient will become pregnant, based on experience at that particular program with patients of comparable age and medical conditions; b. Statistics on the facility’s success rate, including the total number of live births, the number of live births as a percentage of completed retrieval cycles, the rates for clinical pregnancy and delivery per completed retrieval cycle bracketed by age groups consisting of women under 30 years of age, women aged 30 through 34 years, women aged 35 through 39 years, and women aged 40 years and older; c. The likelihood of the patient having a live-born child based on a forthright assessment of her particular age, circumstances, and embryo transfer options; d. The program’s most recent outcome statistics, as reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); e. The existence of, and availability of data from, the “Fertility Clinic Success Rate and Certification Act” regarding pregnancy and live-birth success rates of ART programs, and a copy of the annual report by the ART program to the CDC pursuant to said Act; and f. Statistics reported by the program to federal and state agencies, along with

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479 reported statistics from all other clinics in the State and national ART statistics as reported to the CDC, along with an explanation of the relevance of the statistics. (3)

Costs: a. The anticipated price (to the patient) of all procedures, including any charges for procedures and medications not covered in the standard fee; and b. Average cost to patients of a successful assisted pregnancy.

(4)

Major known risks: a. All major known risks and side effects to mothers and children conceived, including psychological risks, associated with all ART drugs and procedures considered; b. The risks associated with any drugs or fertility-enhancing medications proposed; c. The risks associated with egg retrieval and embryo or oocyte transfer; and d. The risks associated with multiple gestation to mother and children.

(5)

Multiple gestation and fetal reduction: a. The likelihood that fetal reduction might be recommended as a response to multiple gestation; b. A clear explanation of the nature of fetal reduction and the associated risks for mother and any surviving child; and c. Decisions about embryo conception and transfer, including the patient’s right to determine the number of embryos or oocytes to conceive and transfer.

(6)

Donor gametes: If relevant, the testing protocol used to ensure that gamete donors are free from known infection, including human immunodeficiency viruses, and free from carriers of known genetic and chromosomal diseases.

(7)

Non-transferred embryos:

Defending Life 2012

480 a. The availability of embryo adoption for non-transferred embryos and information on agencies in the State that process embryo adoption; b. The risks of cryopreservation for embryos, including information concerning the current feasibility of freezing eggs rather than embryos, and any influence that may have on the likelihood of a live-birth; c. The current law governing disputes concerning excess embryos; and d. Information concerning disposition of non-transferred embryos that may be chosen by the patient, and the rights of patients regarding that disposition, and the need to state their wishes and intentions regarding disposition. (8)

Changes that may affect the contract: a.

The effect on treatment, embryos, and the validity of informed consent of clinic closings, divorce, separation, failure to pay storage fees for excess embryos, failure to pay treatment fees, inability to agree on fate of embryos, death of patient or others, withdrawal of consent for transfer after fertilization but before cryopreservation, incapacity, unavailability of agreed upon disposition of embryos, or loss of contact with the clinic; and

b. The patient’s right to revoke consent at any time and that charges will be limited to only the services provided, with exceptions possibly made for some shared-risk programs, if relevant. (b) This information must be discussed with the patient, and the ART program must provide written documentation that all relevant information required by this Section has been given to the patient. (c) Patients shall be informed of the option of additional counseling throughout future procedures, even if counseling was refused in the past. (d) Each time a new cycle is undertaken, informed consent must be obtained and information provided to the patient with the latest statistics and findings concerning the patient’s status. (e) The [Commissioner of Health or other appropriate office/individual] is authorized to promulgate additional regulations providing more specific guidance for ensuring fully informed consent to ART.

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481 Section 5. Data Collection & Reporting Requirements. (a) All ART programs shall confidentially collect and maintain the following information, pertaining to the particular ART program, and confidentially report, on such forms as the Department prescribes, the following information to [Insert name of state health department or other appropriate agency], no later than February 1 following any year such procedures were performed: (1)

Success rates a. Rates of success, defined as the total number of live births achieved, the percentage of live births per completed cycle of egg retrieval, and the numbers of both clinical pregnancy and actual delivery as ratios against the number of retrieval cycles completed. These statistics must be broken down into the age group of patients: under 30, 30-34, 35-37, 38-40, 41-42, and 43 and above; b. Rate of live births per transfer; and c. Number of live births per ovarian stimulation, broken down into age groups: under 30, 30-34, 35-37, 38-40, 41-42, and 43 and above.

(2)

Storage: Information regarding the safekeeping of embryos including: a. Storage location (if stored); b. Location to which relocated (if transferred to another facility); c. Purpose for which relocated (if transferred to another facility); and d. Time and date of disposal of each patient’s embryos (if destroyed).

(3)

Technologies: Percentage usage of types of ART, including IVF, GIFT, ZIFT, combination, or other.

(4)

Multiples: a. Percentage of pregnancies resulting in multi-fetal pregnancies, broken down by number of fetuses; and b. Percentage of live births having multiple infants.

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482 (5)

Fetal reduction: a. Number of fetal reductions performed, individually reported, identifying the number of embryos transferred before the reduction; b. Percentage of transferred embryos that implant; c. Percentage of premature births per singleton and multiple births; and d. The use of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), if used in the ART program, including data on it safety and efficacy.

(6)

Prematurity and other abnormalities: a. Percentage of birth defects per singleton and multiple births; and b. Percentage of fetal reductions that resulted in a miscarriage.

(b) data.

The program’s medical director shall verify in writing the accuracy of the foregoing

(c) The [Commissioner of Health or other appropriate office or individual] is authorized to promulgate additional regulations requiring additional or more specific data collection and reporting, as needed. [The Commissioner shall make the data available in such form as the Commissioner prescribes.] Section 6. Limits on transfer of embryos in any reproductive cycle. (a) It shall be unlawful for any ART clinic or its employees to transfer more than [two] embryos per reproductive cycle. (b) It shall be unlawful for any ART program, ART facility, or its employees to transfer more than [two] embryos per reproductive cycle. (c) In subsequent assisted reproductive cycles, transfer shall first be attempted with cryopreserved embryos from previous cycles, if they exist. Only after transfer is attempted with cryopreserved embryos may new embryos be conceived through ART. [In the alternative, Section 6(b) could require presenting patients with the option of emphasizing the use of existing cryopreserved embryos in future cycles.]

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483 Section 7. Embryo Donation and Adoption. No ART program may limit or inhibit the option or availability by patients of embryo donation or adoption through psychological evaluations, increased costs or payments, or other conditions. Section 8. Penalties. (a) Civil Penalty. Any person or entity that violates any provision of this Act and derives a pecuniary gain from such violation shall be fined [Insert amount] or twice the amount of gross gain, or any amount intermediate between the foregoing, at the discretion of the court [as is just]. (b) Unprofessional Conduct. Any violation of this Act shall constitute unprofessional conduct pursuant to [Insert appropriate state statutes/regulations for (1) medical doctors/ surgeons and (2) osteopathic doctors] and shall result in sanctions increasing in severity from censure to temporary suspension of license to permanent revocation of license. (c) Trade, Occupation, or Profession. Any violation of this Act may be the basis for denying an application for, denying an application for the renewal of, or revoking any license, permit, certificate, or any other form of permission required to practice or engage in a trade, occupation, or profession. (d) Facility Licensing. Any violation of this Act by an individual in the employ and under the auspices of a licensed healthcare facility to which the management of said facility consents, knows, or should know may be the basis for denying an application for, denying an application for the renewal of, temporarily suspending, or permanently revoking any operational license, permit, certificate, or any other form of permission required to operate a healthcare facility. Section 9. Severability. Any provision of this Act held to be invalid or unenforceable by its terms, or as applied to any person or circumstance, shall be construed so as to give it the maximum effect permitted by law, unless such holding shall be one of utter invalidity or unenforceability, in which event such provision shall be deemed severable here from and shall not affect the remainder hereof or the application of such provision to other persons not similarly situated or to other, dissimilar circumstances. Section 10. Right of Intervention. The [Legislature], by joint resolution, may appoint one or more of its members who sponsored

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484 or co-sponsored this Act, as a matter of right and in his or her official capacity, to intervene to defend this law in any case in which its constitutionality is challenged. Section 11. Effective Date. This Act takes effect on [Insert date].

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485

EGG PROVIDER PROTECTION ACT HOUSE/SENATE Bill No. _____ By Representatives/Senators _____________ Section 1. Title. This Act may be known as the “Egg Provider Protection Act.” Section 2. Legislative Findings and Purposes. (a)

(b)

The [Legislature] of the State of [Insert name of State] finds that: (1)

Human eggs used for research and fertility treatments are obtained from female human providers.

(2)

Egg providers tend to be young, single women without children.

(3)

Egg providers are usually compensated financially for their eggs or for the time, pain, and inconvenience of the extraction procedure.

(4)

Egg harvesting requires preliminary hormone treatment.

(5)

This hormone therapy is accompanied by serious health risks, including an increased risk of uterine, ovarian, and breast cancers and complications with future pregnancies.

(6)

Many egg providers are not fully informed of the health risks associated with egg harvesting.

(7)

Many egg providers suffer emotionally and psychologically for extended periods after their eggs are harvested.

(8)

Many egg providers will choose to have children sometime after having their eggs harvested.

Based on the findings in subsection (a) of this Section, it is the purpose of this Act to: (1)

Safeguard the health and welfare of egg providers;

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486 (2)

Require fully informed consent that ensures egg providers understand the physical, psychological, and reproductive risks that accompany egg harvesting;

(3)

Prevent egg harvesting institutions from exploiting women and commodifying women’s bodies; and

(4)

Establish an egg provider registry in order to contribute to a more accurate and complete understanding of the effects of egg harvesting on the providers.

Section 3. Definitions. For purposes of this Act only: (a) “Compensation” means any consideration or payment given to a woman in exchange for the harvesting and use of her eggs. It does not include reimbursement for time and trouble. (b) “Department” means [Insert reference to appropriate state department or agency responsible for implementing and administering this Act]. (c) “Destructive human embryo research” means medical procedures, scientific or laboratory research, or other kinds of investigation that kill or injure the human embryo. It does not include:

(d)

(1)

In vitro fertilization and accompanying embryo transfer to a woman’s body, or

(2)

Research in the use of nuclear transfer or other cloning techniques to produce molecules; deoxyribonucleic acid; or cells other than human embryos, tissues, organs, plants, or animals other than humans; or

(3)

Any diagnostic procedure that benefits the human embryo subject to such tests, while not imposing risks greater than those considered acceptable for other human research subjects.

“Egg” means the unfertilized gamete, or oocyte, of a human female.

(e) “Egg harvesting” means the extraction of an egg or eggs from the reproductive organs of a provider for purposes other than the impregnation of the provider with those same eggs. (f) “Egg provider” or “provider” means any woman who provides or agrees to provide her eggs for purposes other than her own impregnation with those same eggs.

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487 (g) “Human cloning” means human asexual reproduction, accomplished by (1) introducing the genetic material from one or more human somatic or embryonic cells into a fertilized or unfertilized oocyte whose nuclear material has been removed or inactivated before or after introduction, so as to produce an organism at any stage of development with a human or predominantly human genetic constitution; (2) artificially subdividing a human embryo at any time from the two-cell stage onward, such that more than one human organism results; or (3) introducing pluripotent cells from any source into a human embryo, nonhuman embryo, or artificially-manufactured human embryo or trophoblast, under conditions where the introduced cells generate all or most of the body tissues of the developing organism. (h) “Licensed physician” means any person licensed to practice medicine in this State. The term includes medical doctors and doctors of osteopathy. (i) “Medication” means a hormone, birth control pill, GnRH agonist, GnRH antagonist, gonadotropin, estrogen suppressor, antibiotic, pain medication, or any other drug. (j) “Public funds” means, but is not limited to: (1)

Any monies received or controlled by the state or any official, department, division, agency, or educational or political subdivision thereof, including but not limited to monies derived from federal, state, or local taxes, gifts, or grants from any source; settlements of any claims or causes of action, public or private; bond proceeds or investment income; federal grants or payments; or intergovernmental transfers; and

(2)

Any monies received or controlled by an official, department, division, or agency of state government or any educational or political subdivision thereof, or to any person or entity pursuant to appropriation by the general assembly or governing body of any political subdivision of this state.

(k) “Solicitation” means any advertisement whether written, printed, or spoken, in newspaper or magazine, on radio, television, or internet, or otherwise published. Section 4. Professional and Clinical Requirements for Egg Harvesting. (a)

No person shall harvest eggs unless he or she is a licensed physician.

(b) No person shall harvest eggs except in a hospital, clinic, or other medical facility that meets the normal licensing standards for such facilities in the State, as detailed in [Insert appropriate State code provision(s) and/ or administrative regulation(s)].

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488 (c) No person or entity shall provide compensation, financial or otherwise, for eggs or the egg harvesting procedure. (d) Any reimbursement for time and trouble to the provider shall not exceed an amount typically paid to research subjects for their time and trouble in unrelated medical tests at the institution offering the compensation, or if no other live-subject medical tests are conducted at that institution, at other medical institutions in the State. Section 5. Eligibility of Egg Providers. No physician shall harvest the eggs of an egg provider unless that provider: (a) Is over the age of twenty (20); (b) Has never had her eggs harvested by that physician or another person legally or financially affiliated with that physician; and (c)

Has never had her eggs harvested for reproductive purposes in this State.

Section 6. Solicitation of Egg Providers. (a) No solicitation of egg providers shall offer compensation, financial or otherwise, for eggs or the egg harvesting procedure. (b) Any solicitation of egg providers shall include a summary of any drug or hormone treatments involved, the total number of office or other visits that a provider must make, and the intended use of the eggs to be harvested. Section 7. Informed Consent. (a) Before conducting any medical procedures on or prescribing any hormones or other drugs for an egg provider, a physician shall provide the prospective provider with the following information, described in basic terminology and written in a language understood by the prospective provider, and shall obtain the provider’s signed consent on a form that the [Insert name of State health department or other appropriate agency] shall prescribe. (1)

Procedure a. Description of all hormones and other drugs to be taken by an egg provider, including the dosage, frequency of administration, intended biochemical function of, and likely physiological response to each medication;

Americans United for Life

489 b. Whether the hormones and other drugs to be taken by the egg provider are being administered as tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); c. Whether the hormones and other drugs to be taken by the egg provider are being administered “off-label” or according to an “evidence-based protocol,” and if so the original intended purpose of the hormone or drug when it was tested and approved by the FDA; d. The number of times the egg provider will be expected to visit the physician, the purpose for each visit, and the duration of each visit, including recovery time; e. Description of the procedure to be performed on the egg provider, including all blood tests, ultrasounds, injections, and egg extractions. The description shall include the purpose, duration, and estimated recovery time of each procedure; and f. Description of all restrictions the egg provider will be asked to undertake and their duration, including abstinence from alcohol, cigarettes, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and unprotected sexual intercourse, and restrictions on driving following medication and medical procedures. (2)

Nature of Egg Harvesting a. The approximate number of eggs to be harvested; and b. That eggs have the potential to develop into live human persons sharing their parents’ DNA, when fertilized by sperm.

(3)

Intended Use of Eggs a. Description of the intended use of the eggs; b. Whether the eggs may be fertilized by sperm and, if so, how many days the resulting embryos will be permitted to develop; c. Whether the eggs may be turned into blastocysts through human cloning or some means other than fertilization by sperm and, if so, how many days the resulting entities will be permitted to develop;

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490 d. Whether the eggs may be used for destructive human embryo research; e. Whether the eggs may be implanted in other persons for reproductive or other purposes; f. How many separate recipients may be impregnated with the provider’s eggs; g. What information the egg provider will be entitled to learn about any children produced with her eggs, and what contact she will be allowed to have with such children; and h. Whether the eggs may be multiplied to produce more eggs. If so, sections (a) through (g) of this Subsection also apply to the resulting eggs. (4)

Side Effects a. Description of any pain that may be experienced as a result of hormones, other drugs, the egg harvesting procedure, or any related procedure, including the likely degree and duration of such pain; b. Description of any other possible physical side effects, including allergic reaction, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, ovary rupture, bleeding, infection, blood clots, kidney failure, fluid build-up in the lungs, damage to bowel or bladder, and scarring of the fallopian tubes, that may be experienced as a result of hormones, other drugs, the egg harvesting procedure, or any related procedure, including the likely degree and duration of such physical side effects; c. Description of any emotional or psychological side effects, including depression, stress-related symptoms, and mood swings, that may be experienced as a result of hormones, other drugs, the egg harvesting procedure, or any related procedure, including the likely degree and duration of such emotional or psychological side effects; d. Description of any emotional or psychological side effects, including depression, stress-related symptoms, and mood swings, that may be experienced as a result of hormones, other drugs, the egg harvesting procedure, or any related procedure, including the likely degree and duration of such emotional or psychological side effects;

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491 e. The adverse effects that hormones, other drugs, the egg harvesting procedure, and other related procedures may have on future attempts of the egg provider to become pregnant, including scarred fallopian tubes and infection; and f. Acknowledgement that, to date, the process and risks related to egg harvesting are highly unstudied and unknown compared to other medical procedures and treatments, and thus the egg provider cannot be completely informed of all potential risks or effects. (b)

No person other than the egg provider shall consent on behalf of the provider.

Section 8. Data Collection and Reporting and Maintenance of State Registry. (a) The [Legislature] of the State of [Insert name of State] further finds that there is a substantial lack of knowledge in regard to the effects and risks of the egg harvesting process. In order to develop the breadth of knowledge necessary to adequately inform women of the risks involved and better understand the demographic targeted by researchers for egg harvesting purposes, the Department shall develop and maintain a state registry containing the following information about each woman who provides eggs to any person or institution within the state: (1)

The age of the egg provider;

(2)

The current yearly income of the egg provider;

(3)

The city and state of residence of the egg provider;

(4)

The number of pregnancies of the egg provider;

(5)

The number of live births of the egg provider;

(6)

The number of times the egg provider has previously provided or attempted to provide eggs;

(7)

The number of eggs harvested for each time the egg provider has previously provided eggs;

(8)

All hormones and other drugs prescribed or administered to the egg provider, including dosage and frequency of administration, relating directly or indirectly to the egg harvesting procedure;

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492 (9)

The manner in which the egg provider was instructed to administer the hormones and drugs prescribed;

(10)

Whether the egg provider was told that the medical community has not yet adequately studied the effects of the egg harvesting procedure and therefore the egg provider cannot be completely informed of all potential risks or effects;

(11)

Whether the egg provider had a particular physician or other contact person within the institution harvesting the eggs and, if so, the name and position of that physician or other person;

(12)

The name of the institution or facility harvesting the eggs;

(13)

The total number of eggs harvested;

(14)

The particular disposition [or use] of the eggs harvested;

(15)

Whether and to what extent the egg provider received any follow-up care;

(16)

Any side effects or adverse events in the health of the egg provider which happened during the administration of hormones or other drugs, during the harvesting procedure, or up to one year following the ingestion of hormones or drugs and/or the harvesting procedure, whichever is later;

(17)

Any medical treatment or procedure provided to the egg provider as a result of the hormones or other drugs or egg harvesting procedure;

(18)

The total amount of money paid to the egg provider for time, transportation, discomfort, or other services related to the egg harvesting procedure; and

(19)

An itemized list of the amounts of money paid to the egg provider, the source of each amount, and the consideration for each amount.

For purposes of this Act, an “adverse event” shall be defined according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criteria given in the Medwatch Reporting System. (b) Any person or institution that harvests human eggs shall collect and maintain the information required in Subsection (a) of this Section, and shall report it within fifteen (15) days after the last day of each calendar month to the Department on such forms as the Department shall prescribe.

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493 (c) The Department shall summarize aggregate data from the reports required under this Section and submit the data to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the purpose of inclusion in the annual Vital Statistics Report. The aggregated data shall also be made independently available to the public by the Department in a downloadable format. (d) In addition to the information enumerated in Subsection (a) of this Section, any person or institution that harvests human eggs shall report to the Department the name of the egg provider for which the information was collected and reported. That name shall not be included in the Department’s aggregate report. The Department shall assign a unique identification number for each egg provider for the purposes of the aggregate report. (e) The Department shall maintain a separate registry containing the names of the egg providers with their unique identification numbers. This registry will be accessible only by petition to the Department and for good cause, including but not limited to statistical compilation and research on the effects and risks of the egg harvesting procedure. Section 9. Prohibition on Use of Taxpayer Funds for Human Egg Harvesting. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, no public funds shall be used to facilitate the harvesting of human eggs, pay for the procedure of egg harvesting, or compensate those who perform or undergo the procedure. (b) For purposes of this section, “egg harvesting” includes the extraction of human oocytes from a woman’s reproductive organs for the purpose of reproduction. Section 10. Penalties. (a) Criminal Penalty. Any person or entity that violates any section of this Act shall be guilty of a [Insert appropriate penalty/offense classification]. (b) Civil Penalty. Any person or entity that violates any provision of this Act shall be fined [Insert amount] or twice the amount of gross pecuniary gain derived from such a violation, or any amount intermediate between the forgoing, at the discretion of the court. (c) Unprofessional Conduct. Any violation of this Act shall constitute unprofessional conduct pursuant to [Insert appropriate statutes for (1) medical doctors and surgeons and (2) osteopathic doctors] and shall result in permanent revocation of the violator’s license to practice medicine.

Defending Life 2012

494 (d) Trade, Occupation, or Profession. Any violation of this Act may be the basis for denying an application for, denying an application for the renewal of, or revoking any license, permit, certificate, or any other form of permission required to practice or engage in a trade, occupation, or profession. Section 11. Severability. Any provision of this Act held to be invalid or unenforceable by its terms, or as applied to any person or circumstance, shall be construed so as to give it the maximum effect permitted by law, unless such holding shall be one of utter invalidity or unenforceability, in which event such provision shall be deemed severable here from and shall not affect the remainder hereof or the application of such provision to other persons not similarly situated or to other, dissimilar circumstances. Section 12. Right of Intervention. The [Legislature], by joint resolution, may appoint one or more of its members who sponsored or co-sponsored this Act, as a matter of right and in his or her official capacity, to intervene to defend this law in any case in which its constitutionality is challenged or questioned. Section 13. Effective Date. This Act takes effect on [Insert date].

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495

EMBRYO ADOPTION ACT HOUSE/SENATE Bill No. _____ By Representatives/Senators _____________ Section 1. Short Title. This Act may be known as the “Embryo Adoption Act.” Section 2. Legislative Findings and Purposes. (a)

(b)

The [Legislature] of the State of [Insert name of State] finds that: (1)

There are hundreds of thousands of cryopreserved (frozen) human embryos in laboratories and facilities in the United States, and that number grows annually.

(2)

There is little guidance from federal or state law for the disposition of frozen embryos given that few states have laws governing the disposition of frozen embryos.

(3)

Embryo donation can be a haphazard process, providing insufficient protection for the best interests of the child and insufficient certainty for the rights and responsibilities of relinquishing and potential adopting parents.

(4)

Allowing parents who adopt embryos to obtain a court order of adoption creates greater protection for the child, greater certainty for the termination of rights of the relinquishing parents, and greater certainty for the rights of the adopting parents.

(5)

Further, allowing a court order of adoption promotes the psychological health of the child, who later will not feel that he or she was “donated” or given away, but was adopted from and by loving parents.

(6)

Finally, allowing a court order of adoption may allow adopting parents to claim an adoption tax credit that would not be available to them under a typical “embryo donation” scenario—thus encouraging further adoption of embryos that might otherwise remain in a state of frozen limbo.

The [Legislature]’s purposes in enacting this law are to:

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(1)

Clarify the rights of relinquishing and adopting parents;



(2)

Allow for a court order of adoption for adopted frozen embryos; and



(3)

Promote the best interests of the child.

Section 3. Definitions. For purposes of this Act: (a) “Adopting parent” means the person or persons who receive a relinquished embryo and who accepts full legal rights and responsibilities for such embryo and any child that may be born as a result of embryo transfer. (b) “Embryo relinquishment” means the relinquishment of rights and responsibilities by the relinquishing parent(s) of a human embryo and the acceptance of said rights and responsibilities by adopting parent(s). (c) “Embryo transfer” means the medical procedure of physically placing an embryo into the uterus of a woman. (d) “Human embryo” or “embryo” means an individual organism [fertilized ovum] of the human species, from the single cell stage to eight (8) weeks development. (e) “Relinquishing parent” means the person or persons who hold the legal rights and responsibilities for an embryo, regardless of whether the embryo was created with the use of the relinquishing parents’ gametes or through the use of donor gametes, who is seeking to relinquish the embryos to adopting parents. [Section 4.] Amendment to Definition Section of State Adoption Law. For purposes of embryo adoption under this Act and the [Insert definition section(s) of this State’s adoption law(s)], “child” [or “minor”] shall include a human embryo. [Section 5.] Exclusivity. The relinquishment of human embryos from relinquishing to adopting parents shall be conducted pursuant to the adoption laws of this state, as amended by Sections 6 to 9 of this Act.]

Americans United for Life

497 [Drafter’s Note: Amending a state’s adoption law requires input from legal counsel experienced in that particular state’s adoption requirements. Thus, legislators wishing to amend the state’s adoption law as opposed to introducing an analogous procedure of embryo adoption are encouraged to contact AUL as well as in-state legal counsel before introducing a measure including Sections 5 and 4 herein.] [Section 6.] Relinquishment of Rights. (a) A relinquishing parent may relinquish all rights and responsibilities for an embryo to an adopting parent prior to embryo transfer. A written contract shall be entered into between each relinquishing parent and each adopting parent prior to embryo transfer for the legal transfer of rights to an embryo and to any child that may result from the embryo transfer. The contract shall be signed by each relinquishing parent for such embryo and by each adopting parent in the presence of a notary public and a witness. Initials or other designations may be used if the parties desire anonymity. The contract may include a written waiver by the relinquishing parent of notice and service in the legal adoption proceeding which may follow. (b) If the embryo was created using donor gametes, the sperm or oocyte donors who irrevocably relinquished their rights in connection with in vitro fertilization shall not be entitled to any notice of the embryo relinquishment, nor shall their consent to the embryo relinquishment be required. (c) Upon embryo relinquishment by each relinquishing parent pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the legal transfer of rights to an embryo shall be considered complete, and the embryo transfer shall be authorized. (d) A child born to an adopting parent as the result of embryo relinquishment pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be presumed to be the legal child of the adopting parent. [Section 7.] Petition for Expedited Order of Adoption. (a) Prior to the birth of a child or following the birth of a child, an adopting parent may petition the [superior court] for an expedited order of adoption. In such cases, the written contract between each relinquishing parent and each adopting parent shall be acceptable in lieu of a surrender of rights. (b) All petitions under this section shall be filed in the county in which any petitioner or any respondent resides. (c) The court shall give effect to any written waiver of notice and service in the legal proceeding for adoption.

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498 (d) In the interest of justice, to promote the stability of embryo transfers, and to promote the interests of children who may be born following such embryo transfers, the court in its discretion may waive such technical requirements as the court deems just and proper. [Section 8.] Finality of Orders of Adoption. Upon a filing of a petition for adoption or parentage and the court finding that such petition meets the criteria required by this [Act], an expedited order of adoption shall be issued and shall be a final order. Such order shall terminate any future parental rights and responsibilities of any past or present relinquishing parent or gamete donor in a child which results from the embryo transfer and shall vest such rights and responsibilities in the adopting parent. [Section 9.] Status of Prior Agreements for Disposition of Embryos. Relinquishment of rights to an embryo pursuant to [Section 6] shall cancel any prior written agreement governing disposition of the embryo. [Section 10.] Severability. Any provision of this Act held to be invalid or unenforceable by its terms, or as applied to any person or circumstance, shall be construed so as to give it the maximum effect permitted by law, unless such holding shall be one of utter invalidity or unenforceability, in which event such provision shall be deemed severable here from and shall not affect the remainder hereof or the application of such provision to other persons not similarly situated or to other, dissimilar circumstances. [Section 11.] Right of Intervention. The [Legislature], by joint resolution, may appoint one or more of its members who sponsored or co-sponsored this Act, as a matter of right and in his or her official capacity, to intervene to defend this law in any case in which its constitutionality is challenged or questioned. [Section 12.] Effective Date. This Act takes effect on [Insert date].

Americans United for Life