Janene Oleaga, Esq., founder of Oleaga Law LLC, recently appeared on ASRM Today, the podcast of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, to discuss the political and legal forces shaping access to reproductive care for LGBTQ+ patients. The episode, part of the show's season-long focus on LGBTQ+ issues in reproductive medicine, features host Jeffrey Hayes and co-host Dr. Lowell Ku, along with Oleaga and Jennifer Maas. They examine how recent legislative shifts are affecting access to fertility treatment, family building, abortion services, and gender-affirming reproductive care.
The conversation delves into the complex legal landscape families navigate, the influence of ideology on medical decision-making, and the role of advocacy in protecting reproductive autonomy. Released on the eve of Pride Month, the episode underscores the ongoing challenges and progress in LGBTQ+ family building. Oleaga's expertise is informed by her work on landmark cases, including the New York Supreme Court's Matter of Baby DKN decision, which recognized 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, and LD 1539, 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.
The discussion highlights the importance of legal advocacy in ensuring equitable access to reproductive care. As states introduce varying legislation, the role of attorneys like Oleaga becomes crucial in navigating these complexities. The episode serves as a resource for those seeking to understand the intersection of law, medicine, and LGBTQ+ rights in family building.
