The Complete Adoption and Fertility Legal Guide (Sphinx Legal) [Paperback]

Brette McWhorter Sember (Author)

Book Description

Series: Sphinx Legal | Publication Date: July 1, 2004

The Wait Is Finally Over...

Whether you are thinking about adopting a child or using reproductive treatments to become pregnant, The Complete Adoption and Fertility Legal Guide explains your options, gives you the steps to take to protect your decision and hands you the power to make it happen.

Every year assisted reproduction becomes more common as new reproductive technologies are added to the list of possible choices. Proven procedures and emerging technologies are discussed with answers to questions like:

- What should you do to prevent a sperm or egg donor from later claiming custody of
your child?
- Why does a surrogate's husband need to be a party to the contract?
- How can a surrogacy contract help you spot potential problems?
- What steps should you take for the disposition of frozen genetic material?

The procedures for all types of adoptions are covered, as well as the agreements, required notices and documentation needed to support your decision. Learn more about:

- Protecting against a birth father from claiming paternity
- When birth parents can revoke their consent to the adoption
- Your rights as a gay or lesbian couple to adopt
- Why you have to readopt a child adopted internationally

Make the Decision
that is Right for You.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Sember, an attorney, offers a simple and useful primer for those struggling with fertility issues. She begins with adoption, explaining roles, responsibilities and legalities for birth mothers and adoptive parents; she then breaks down the various types of adoption (e.g., foreign vs. domestic; open vs. closed; agency vs. lawyer) and helpfully composes a pros and cons list for each one ("the type of adoption you choose will have an impact on your child"). Sember doesn’t leave anyone out, and includes guidelines for single-parent, adult, and gay and lesbian adoptions. In the second part of the book, she takes a close look at infertility treatment, beginning with the chapter "Understanding & Evaluating Reproductive Technologies." She explains, "It is important that you come into the process with a good understanding of why natural conception is not working for you and what conditions or problems have brought you here." She then prepares a list of questions to ask reproductive specialists and explains such treatments as insemination, egg donation and surrogacy. She concludes with a glossary of terms and a solid list of references, including books, magazines and agencies.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"A+…Covers much more than legalities…excellent…can help any kind of family get organized and have more control over adoption or infertility" -- Conceive Magazine, spring 2005

"No-nonsense primer…helps you map out a plan from all the options…We love the extensive glossary and list of references" -- ePregnancy Magazine, Editor's Pick, April 2005

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Sphinx Publishing (July 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572483733
• ISBN-13: 978-1572483736
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,852,885 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A logical and clear overview., August 9, 2004

By 

Allison Martin "Book Reviewer" (comeunity.com) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Adoption and Fertility Legal Guide (Sphinx Legal) (Paperback)

A good general outline for anyone interested in the legal aspects of the adoption process and assisted reproduction. Prospective parents will find its breadth useful in determining which procedure is right for them. They will also find the guidance on procedures helpful in getting started on the right path.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Empowering information for prospective parents, November 12, 2004

By 

Zbeth (Maine) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Adoption and Fertility Legal Guide (Sphinx Legal) (Paperback)

This guide is a great resource for people navigating the legal twists and turns of building their families.
Whether you're considering adoption or assisted reproduction, this book explains the the legalities in easy to understand language. It covers domestic and international adoption, adult adoption, gay adoption, single adoption and other adoption scenarios. It also covers assisted reproduction, donors, surrogacy, cryopreservation and emerging technologies.
It also includes some great questionaires to help you evaluate adoption agencies, attorneys, birth mothers, fertility clinics, sperm banks and surrogates, as well as copies of forms that could be useful and links to many helpful web sites.