Assisted Reproductive Technology in the Wake of “Octomom,” Impact of Economy on Divorces Lead Issues at ABA Family Law Conference

April 13, 2009 – With the recent controversy surrounding “octomom” Nadya Suleman, many are debating the appropriate ethical and legal ramifications of using assisted reproductive technologies. The American Bar Association Section of Family Law is hosting its 2009 Spring CLE Conference, with a special focus on assisted reproductive technology. The conference is taking place April 22 – 25 in Baltimore, with headquarters at the Hilton Baltimore.

Programs examining assisted reproductive technology issues include “Ethical Vignettes of ART Law: An Analysis from Inside the Disciplinary Process,” during which ART practitioners will debate the applicability of various rules of professional responsibility as they apply to the practice of ART law. “On Your Mark! Get Set! Go! A Complex ART Case from Start to Finish” will examine how the fields of medicine, psychology and law intersect during a case involving assisted reproductive technologies. Other ART-related programming includes “Who’s Your Daddy (or Mommy)?: A Fifty-State Survey of ART Law in America” and “Playing with the Erector Set of ART Law: Negotiating and Drafting Successful ART Agreements.”

Divorce in today’s economy will also be a topic of discussion during the 2009 Spring CLE Conference. “Down and Out in Beverly Hills: How Current Economic Issues Impact Divorce” will address how market losses, new rules of foreclosure and declining real estate values impact filing for divorce in today’s turbulent economy. Panelists will provide ideas for maximizing returns, minimizing losses and dividing a marital estate where the assets are worth less than the indebtedness.

For complete program details and conference schedule, a PDF version is available for download here.

The ABA Section of Family Law provides lawyers with education and analysis to further the development of family law and to help members serve their clients competently, efficiently and professionally.

With more than 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world.  As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

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Editor’s Note: Complimentary press passes are available to accredited reporters by contacting Tamiko Lee at 312/988-5237 or leet@staff.abanet.org. On-site registration is also available.