Janene Oleaga, Esq., founder of Oleaga Law LLC, recently appeared on the ASRM Today podcast, produced by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), to examine the political and legal forces shaping access to reproductive care for LGBTQ+ patients. The episode is part of a season-long focus on LGBTQ+ issues in reproductive medicine and was released on the eve of Pride Month.
Hosted by Jeffrey Hayes and co-host Dr. Lowell Ku, the discussion included Jennifer Maas alongside Oleaga. The conversation covered how recent legislative shifts are affecting access to fertility treatment, family building, abortion services, and gender-affirming reproductive care. The panel explored the complicated laws families navigate, the influence of ideology on medical decision-making, and the role of advocacy in protecting reproductive autonomy.
Oleaga brought her extensive experience in fertility law to the episode, highlighting her work on landmark cases and legislation. She was involved in 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 through assisted reproduction, and LD 1539, An Act to Provide Access to Fertility Care, 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 implications of this discussion are significant for the LGBTQ+ community and reproductive medicine. As legislative changes continue to affect access to care, legal experts like Oleaga play a crucial role in advocating for family equality and reproductive autonomy. The episode provides listeners with insights into the legal landscape and the importance of advocacy in ensuring that everyone—regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, relationship status, or genetic connection—can access fertility care and build a family. For more information, visit Oleaga Law LLC.
