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, released on the eve of Pride Month, is part of a season-long focus on LGBTQ+ issues in reproductive medicine.
Host Jeffrey Hayes and co-host Dr. Lowell Ku were joined by Oleaga and Jennifer Maas to examine how recent legislative shifts are affecting access to fertility treatment, family building, abortion services, and gender-affirming reproductive care. The discussion covered the complicated laws families navigate, the influence of ideology on medical decision making, and the role of advocacy in protecting reproductive autonomy.
Oleaga's record on family equality includes the momentous New York Supreme Court's Matter of Baby DKN decision recognizing 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 through assisted reproduction, and LD 1539, An Act to Provide Access to Fertility Care, which expanded insurance coverage for fertility treatment in Maine.
The full episode is available on all podcast streaming platforms.
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 conversation underscores the importance of understanding the legal landscape for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking reproductive care. As legislative changes continue to unfold, advocacy and legal expertise become crucial in ensuring access to family-building options. The episode provides valuable insights for patients, providers, and policymakers navigating these complex issues.
