What are the legal issues related to fertility preservation?
The legal issues related to fertility preservation in Washington vary from state to state. Generally, fertility preservation involves the freezing of eggs, sperm, or embryos for use in the future. Because this procedure requires the use of medical technology and the storage of human tissue, there are certain laws in place to protect and regulate the process. In Washington, a person must be at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to give informed consent in order to use fertility preservation services. As such, a person must be able to understand the risks, benefits and alternatives associated with the procedure. Furthermore, a physician must obtain written consent from the patient, as well as any donors or guardians if the patient is a minor or legally incapacitated. If embryos are created during the fertility preservation process, the parties involved must determine the disposition, or what will happen to the embryos. This includes decisions related to who, if anyone, will have a legal right to use the embryos, who will be responsible for their storage and what the medical authorities should do in the event of the death of either parent. In Washington, it is generally illegal to transfer or use frozen embryos without written consent from all parties involved. This includes any agreement to donate or transfer the embryos to another person or couple. If a dispute arises over the ownership or use of embryos, the courts will generally decide in favor of the agreement that was in place at the time of fertility preservation.
Related FAQs
What are the legal implications of surrogacy agreements?What are the legal requirements for in vitro fertilization?
What are the legal implications of cloning?
What are the legal issues related to preimplantation genetic diagnosis?
What are the laws related to gestational surrogacy in the United States?
What are the laws related to surrogacy agreements in the United States?
Is there a right to reproductive privacy in the United States?
What is the legal status of embryo adoption in the United States?
What are the laws related to the commercialization of reproductive technologies in the United States?
What are the ethical considerations in reproductive law?
Related Blog Posts
Understanding the Basics of Reproductive Law and Your Rights - July 31, 2023The Differences Between Local and Federal Reproductive Law - August 7, 2023
Breaking Down the Types of Reproductive Law That Apply to You - August 14, 2023
Exploring Reproductive Rights and Parental Rights under Reproductive Law - August 21, 2023
The Legal Implications of Surrogacy and Adoption under Reproductive Law - August 28, 2023