Test Tube Baby Revisited!

If a women has fertility problems then there are a wide range of procedures out there to help; stimulation with Clomid, IUI, IVF, donor egg, surrogacy. However when the problem lies with the man, then that's a different story. Fewer options are available and this seems damming to most couples. But fear not, research in a test tube took us to the first baby born via IVF and now again we see science revolutionize how babies can be born. Namely,sterile mice made fertile using stem cells. Although early days, scientists at Kyoto University have managed to change the fertility status of sterile mice, making them fertile. The fertile sperm together with mouse eggs produced healthy baby mice.....now that's one for the books.

New Fertility Magazine Launch!

The Lane Fertility Magazine

It’s been a while coming, but finally there is a nationwide online magazine (for free) to help you along your path. It’s a great magazine! Lane has managed to incorporate the hot topics that come up time and again for couples; diet, acupuncture, managing relationships and when to worry, or not worry. In an arena where everything to do with fertility cost so much money, it’s nice to see experts in the field share their views and offer their support as you journey along. You can access the Dr’s good word at http://lanefertilitymagazine.com. Enjoy the read!

Single Mothers By Choice

As I was writing an article on single mothers by choice (SMC), I came across the website : http://www.singlemothersbychoice.org

It is informative, has blogs and local communities to support SMC.

If you or someone you love is thinking about becoming a single mother by choice, pass on the website.
For more information and resources for SMC, feel free to contact me at fenella@comcast.net
Best wishes

Legislation will remove financial barriers for infertility treatments

On May 12, 2011, legislation was introduced into Congress that, if passed, will establish a tax credit to improve access to medical treatment for infertility, which affects millions of people in the United States i. This important legislation could help those who might not otherwise be able to have children, build families of their own through in vitro fertilization (IVF) if indicated as a course of action.

The Family Act of 2011 is the first tax credit introduced in Congress to support those seeking to build a family through medical treatment for infertility. It was introduced to the Senate by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in an effort to reduce the considerable cost barriers that infertile couples face.

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) lists the average price of one in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle in the U.S. to be $12,400.i For the majority of patients seeking treatment for infertility, costs for assisted reproductive technology, such as IVF, are paid for-out-of-pocket and not a covered benefit under group or individual health insurance policies. Only 15 states have passed laws requiring that insurance policies cover or offer to cover some level of infertility treatment ii.

With new U.S. healthcare costs continually rising and new coverage mandates in place as a result of the new healthcare reform law, it is more important than ever to establish tax and economic policies that are supportive of families.

If you would like to contact your Congressman to voice your support of the Family Act, go to
http://bit.ly/lsFfKx .

About the Family Act:

• Tax payers who have been diagnosed as infertile by a licensed physician and for whom the indicated course of treatment is to undergo IVF treatment would be able to claim a tax credit
• Eligible treatments include medical procedures, laboratory procedures, professional charges and other necessary costs when a patient undergoes IVF treatments
• The maximum credit amount available to eligible tax payers would be $13,360
• The credit would be available to taxpayers that have an adjusted gross income of less than $182,500 and phases out for those whose incomes reach $222,520
• There is a 50/50 cost share inherent in the credit so eligible tax payers may claim the credit for up to one half of their expenses

New Fertility Counseling Package as of April 2011.

The price of fertility treatment can be exorbitant, leaving little room for the important adjunct of psychotherapy --- more specifically fertility counseling. However, your mental health is an important part of the process. To accommodate for this, I am now offering more affordable mental health care coverage.

30 minute session, phone or in person: $75
45 minute session, phone or in person: $110
60 minute session, phone or in person: $130

Package:

(6) 30 minute sessions: $390 ($65 /session)
(6) 45 minute sessions: $600 ($100/session)
(6) 60 minute sessions: $720 ($120/session)

Please inquire for your specific needs.

New SKYPE fertility support group forming

This support group is designed for those who are unable to attend support groups in person because of location or timing. Sessions will be $50 for a one and half hour session for a commitment of 4 weeks.
For more details, please contact Fenella at Fenella@comcast.net or 415.717.3216

New book

Fenella Das Gupta has been awarded a grant from the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to train MFTs in the area of infertility counseling and to continue her research on her lastest book.

For more information, please contact Fenella directly