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[Deleted User]
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Very important for ladies with IF and those who want to support us! Please read!
[Deleted User]
member
Cross posting
"Hello all,
If the personhood bills are your jam, I respect your religion and your right to your opinion, but you might want to skip this thread.
I attended a local civic fair today to learn some things about my community and meet my legislators. My local chapter of resolve.org was there and I talked for some time with the organizer (who had her beautiful daughter through surrogacy). There is an advocacy day on May 18 and I may head to DC with them, or at least help in some way. In the meantime, they gave me information on what we can do to STOP two bills (H.R. 586 and H.R. 681) that aim to undermine access to safe and reliable infertility medical treatments.
Essentially - the way these bills are worded will pretty much outlaw IVF and surrogacy. Once sperm meets egg, it would be illegal to do absolutely anything to the embryo, including transfer, genetic testing, ICSI, and disposal of unused embryos. **THESE BILLS HAVE LEGS. In the past, it was almost a given they would die in sub-committee, but not in our current situation.
Look up your representative (https://www.house.gov/representatives/find/) and CALL IN, EMAIL, or WRITE this letter:"
Dear Rep,
I am your constituent and I care about (OR: I AM ONE OF) the 7.3 million people (NSFG, CDC) living with infertility. I urge you to oppose H.R. 586 and H.R. 681, "To provide that human life shall be deemed to begin with fertilization." These bills have dangerous unintended consequences that will interfere with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and make it harder for any American who struggles to have a child gain access to safe and effective medical treatment. Today, 1 out of every 100 births in the U.S. is from assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as IVF.
By equating microscopic embryos with born human beings, H.R. 586 and H.R. 681 have implications that pose a serious threat to infertility treatment. If microscopic fertilized eggs/embryos are deemed as human life, anything that puts and embryo at risk could be a violation of the law, even if its goal is the undeniable social good of helping someone have a baby.
It is unclear at this time precisely which assisted reproduction technology (ART) procedures would be deemed illegal because of their possible risks to an embryo, but we believe the legal uncertainties stemming from the proposed bill would make it difficult or impossible for fertility doctors to treat patients at all using ART. This law would also drastically change the practice of cryopreservation (freezing of embryos not currently needed for treatment) in ways that would drastically reduce patients' options and could even pit embryos against their own progenitors. Cancer patients rely upon embryo cryopreservation to preserve their fertility before cancer treatments.
H.R 586 and H.R. 681 would prevent couples from being able to have families. I urge you to show that you are pro-family, and vote against H.R. 586 and H.R. 681.
For more information, please contact RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association at info@resolve.org.
Sincerely,
Your name
Your zip code
"Hello all,
If the personhood bills are your jam, I respect your religion and your right to your opinion, but you might want to skip this thread.
I attended a local civic fair today to learn some things about my community and meet my legislators. My local chapter of resolve.org was there and I talked for some time with the organizer (who had her beautiful daughter through surrogacy). There is an advocacy day on May 18 and I may head to DC with them, or at least help in some way. In the meantime, they gave me information on what we can do to STOP two bills (H.R. 586 and H.R. 681) that aim to undermine access to safe and reliable infertility medical treatments.
Essentially - the way these bills are worded will pretty much outlaw IVF and surrogacy. Once sperm meets egg, it would be illegal to do absolutely anything to the embryo, including transfer, genetic testing, ICSI, and disposal of unused embryos. **THESE BILLS HAVE LEGS. In the past, it was almost a given they would die in sub-committee, but not in our current situation.
Look up your representative (https://www.house.gov/representatives/find/) and CALL IN, EMAIL, or WRITE this letter:"
Dear Rep,
I am your constituent and I care about (OR: I AM ONE OF) the 7.3 million people (NSFG, CDC) living with infertility. I urge you to oppose H.R. 586 and H.R. 681, "To provide that human life shall be deemed to begin with fertilization." These bills have dangerous unintended consequences that will interfere with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and make it harder for any American who struggles to have a child gain access to safe and effective medical treatment. Today, 1 out of every 100 births in the U.S. is from assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as IVF.
By equating microscopic embryos with born human beings, H.R. 586 and H.R. 681 have implications that pose a serious threat to infertility treatment. If microscopic fertilized eggs/embryos are deemed as human life, anything that puts and embryo at risk could be a violation of the law, even if its goal is the undeniable social good of helping someone have a baby.
It is unclear at this time precisely which assisted reproduction technology (ART) procedures would be deemed illegal because of their possible risks to an embryo, but we believe the legal uncertainties stemming from the proposed bill would make it difficult or impossible for fertility doctors to treat patients at all using ART. This law would also drastically change the practice of cryopreservation (freezing of embryos not currently needed for treatment) in ways that would drastically reduce patients' options and could even pit embryos against their own progenitors. Cancer patients rely upon embryo cryopreservation to preserve their fertility before cancer treatments.
H.R 586 and H.R. 681 would prevent couples from being able to have families. I urge you to show that you are pro-family, and vote against H.R. 586 and H.R. 681.
For more information, please contact RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association at info@resolve.org.
Sincerely,
Your name
Your zip code
Re: Very important for ladies with IF and those who want to support us! Please read!
Feel free to share elsewhere!
Ok, I know we don't usually get political on TB but WTF IS TRUMP DOING TO OUR COUNTRY. Now his administration is trying to mess with our ability to have a BABY?! This angers me to no end. I will absolutely be e-mailing and calling this in. This is disgusting. Absolutely infuriating. How did we elect this monster? /end political rant.
Thanks for sharing @antoto
But to be clear - THIS IS NOT POLITICAL. This is beyond politics. This should be a bipartisan effort to defeat these bills!
So Republic friends, please, please, please join us. Help us!
I'm legit tired of these old men trying to control my lady parts!! If I could shoot fire from my eyes I'd do it... But I guess I'll settle for emailing my rep
Dating 7/2008
Married 7/2014
H Type I Diabetic
TTC 1/2016
1/10/2017 initial appt with RE (all BW results WNL)
1/17/2017 SA DX Virtual Azoo (3 sperm 0%morph 0%motility)
1/18/2017 STP tubes clear
2/1/2017 initial appt with Urologist
2/15/2017 DX H Robertsonian Translocation
H is on clomid and Theralogix Supplements
6/26/17 repeat SA: 47 sperm 0% morph 13% motility
7/26/17 IVF Consult, repeat SA (4 sperm)
8/21/17 Starting IVF cycle with Donor Sperm backup
9/1/17 ER ICSI PGS: only 2 donor embryos made it to freeze
9/13/17 Started cycle for IUI with donor and clomid
9/27/17 IUI canceled for overstim
October Plan IUI with donor and low dose clomid
https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/tennessee-bill-aims-repeal-current-statute-article-1.2970540
Thanks for sharing this. I re-posted it on the April BMB.
DD #2: May 2020
Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
Also, if anyone lives in Tennessee (or knows anyone that lives there) HB1406/SB1153 has been introduced that would repeal TCA 68-3-306 which states, “A child born to a married woman as a result of artificial insemination, with consent of the married woman’s husband, is deemed to be the legitimate child of the husband and wife.”
HB1406 would repeal this statute and label the child illegitimate, despite the parents being married and consenting. WTF?
LFAF February Siggy Challenge - "Favorite TV/Movie Couple"
DD: 10/17/13
TTC#2 Actively: 10/14, NTNP: 01/14
Left-Sided Hydrosalpinx (cause: genetic abnormality, TREATED 11/16)
http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/396b04
2017 - egg retrieval #1 - 3 eggs, 0 embryos appropriate for transfer; ER #2 2 eggs, 0 embryos on day 3; ER #3 1 egg 0 embryos
moved to donor egg in summer 2017; 35 eggs retrieved; 19 fertilized; 9 total embryos
Fresh transfer Dec 2017= BFP! baby boy born 8/22/18
May 2019 - surprise natural pregnancy ended in MC
Nov 2019 FET; MC at 9 weeks
May 2020 FET; BFN
July 2020 FET; CP treated with methotrexate
Oct 2020 BFP!
Take a look at my blog
Married: 04/05/15
TTC since: 02/16/16
Also for all, I strongly encourage you to call, not just email or send letters. As I understand it, calling is often more impactful because emails are easily ignored. The NY Times and others posted an article about this back in November: https://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/11/22/us/politics/heres-why-you-should-call-not-email-your-legislators.html
I hate cold calling and I was super nervous when I made my first calls the other week, but it ended up being really easy. And if you're feeling really bold, make an appointment with your representative or his/her office to discuss this with them.
Note - I have a couple friends that work in DC, and they've said that actual snail mail letters and phone calls are way more effective than email for some reason. All you have to do is read this exact note (or modify it if that's easier for you) to the person that answers the phone (because you'll never get to actually speak with the rep). They have to record all those calls and make note of them to the rep. Email is way easier to get lost.
ETA obviously emailing is better than nothing, so if that is what's easiest for you, go for it! Any method is the best method.
Just wanted to pass that along! This is great @antoto - let's make some waves!
ETA: I need more! You guys rock.
Married: 04/05/15
TTC since: 02/16/16
Even if they don't listen to me, DAMN that felt good.
*(IF) lurker*
posted about this in May 2017!
Thanks for this, just posted in Oct!
TTC 9/2016 BFP 12/9/16 EDD 8/21/17 NMC 1/8/16 at 7w6d
TTC 2/2017 BFP 3/6/17 EDD 11/17/17 DS born 11/25/17 via ECS
TTC 12/2018 BFP 6/2/19 EDD 2/12/20 NMC / BO at 7 weeks, low progesterone
TTC 7/2019 BFP 8/21/19 EDD 4/22/20 CP at 5 weeks
TTC 8/19 IUI #1 w/ Clomid + Ovidrel + progesterone BFN, IUI 2 and 3 w/ Letrozole + Ovidrel + progesterone,
IUI 4 Follistim + Ovidrel + progesterone BFP 1/9/20 EDD 9/18/20
AMA, ITP in pregnancy, vWD type II - low Factor VIII, unexplained RPL and secondary infertility
Me: 35 | DH: 38
Met: 2007
Married: 2013
BFP #1: 06/21/16 MMC: 08/04/16
BFP #2: 01/08/17 DD: 09/23/17
BFP #3: 06/10/20 EDD: 02/11/2021
Married May 2014
TTC #1: May 2015
September 2016-December 2016: Met with RE, fertility testing, diagnosis of tubal scarring, and plan of IVF
*TW in spoiler boxes*
Thanks for sharing! It makes me crazy that the same people who want to remove safe access to abortions for women who want or need them also want to make it so that women who would like to have a child cannot do so. How is this not seen as contradictory? Rage.
TTC #1 since April 2015
RE Dx: Fibroids, surgery Jan 2016
IUI #1 and #2, Nov/Dec 2016, BFN
IVF March 2017: ER - 5R/3M/3F, 1 PGS normal
Polyp removed May 2017
FET May 2017 - BFP!
Baby boy born 2/2/18
Me 38
DH 31
Married 2012
Thanks for sharing - even though I wish it didn't have to be shared in the first place. Regardless, I wrote a letter to my rep last night during a "Love Letters to Legislators" event. Needless to say, there wasn't much love for my Rep in the letter, but hopefully it at least adds one more voice to this. I can't believe this is something we have to fight for.
Dating: 12/21/2001
Married: 09/08/2012
BFP: 11/16/2016 EDD: 07/27/2017
Baby Fish born: 08/01/2017
I am for protecting my right as a woman, and a woman who deeply desires to be a mother, I am also all for the protection of life- all life, young, old, healthy, sick, skinny, fat, tall, short, able'd or disabled and especially pre-born.... all are human, just like I am. All have the right to make their own way in the world, just like I have... I am 100000% for standing up for all human life and their rights. So, if there is something out there in these bills that somehow infringe on my rights as a hopeful mom, I want to see it for myself. Then, I will contact my representatives (and hopefully respectfully but firmly) voice my opinion and request others to do the same. However, after looking around google for a bit, I had to come back to the OP and reread it again, I am confused and unable to find enough information. When I looked up both of the mentioned house bills, nothing I found (other then links to this page, and a few similar fertility boards' posts) said anything about fertility treatments or what would happen to or with embryos etc. Please see this as a question, not a challenge.
Where did you come across this statement that the proposed bill is harmful to those struggling with infertility, was it listed in the bill itself or was it a commentator's interpretation of what they believe will a result if the bill continues?
Does anyone have more information, for those of you who read the two bills, did you see any wording stating ANYTHING about fertility treatments, or what is allowed to happen with embryos etc?
This bill declares that: (1) the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human and is a person's most fundamental right; (2) each human life begins with fertilization, cloning, or its equivalent, at which time every human has all the legal and constitutional attributes and privileges of personhood; and (3) Congress, each state, the District of Columbia, and each U.S. territory have the authority to protect all human lives.
That bold part is the part that impacts fertility treatments. You mention in your post that you couldn't find anything talking about "what is allowed to happen with embryos." But by definition, embryos are fertilized eggs. So it has a much larger impact on how IVF works (opposed to, for example IUI). In IVF, fertilization occurs in a lab, not in the woman's body.
** December BMB Siggy Challenge - Animals in Pools **
Me: 31+ H: 32
TTC Since 11/2015
#1 - MMC 6.5 weeks (2/16); #2 - MC due to cystic hygroma at 20 weeks (10/16); #3 CP (2/17); #4 - Due 12.16.17
It does match what I originally read on both bills (virtually the same bills, slightly different wording, same general concepts). By nature, I see things as plan for the worst, hope for the best. Though I try not to see a ghost behind every dark corner, I like to be one step ahead of problems if possible. Since I am not as familiar with IVF (as it is not a currently recommended course of treatment for us) I am hopeful that some of the veterans on here can help me learn more about this law and others that may be a detriment to my family building plans.
Forgive me for asking yet another question about this same topic... How is trying to define and protect the value of life and the rights of a pre-born child a danger to IVF? Is there a supplemental bill scheduled (or expected) that details how the definition of when life begins (these two current bills) will conflict on how humans choose to start such life?
Please note I am not trying to start a debate about abortion rights or pro-life rights. I am merely looking at it from a hopeful mom's point of view. Myself, I do not see how congress choosing to define when life starts (no matter how it is created, naturally, or through IVF) as a danger to my personal ability or desire to choose IVF as a method of growing my personal family.
Thanks for the info!