The Coherence Code Podcast 95: Fertility Law Uncovered: Sara Cohen on Surrogacy and Donation Rights
In this episode of the Conscious Fertility Podcast, Dr. Lorne Brown is joined by fertility lawyer Sara R. Cohen, who brings over 14 years of expertise in fertility law. They dive into the evolving legal landscape surrounding surrogacy, sperm and egg donation, and the rights of donor-conceived children. Sara shares her insights on how Canadian laws have changed to make fertility treatments and third-party reproduction more accessible, including the removal of the six-month sperm quarantine rule and the increasing recognition of multiple-parent families.
They also discuss the importance of legal agreements in surrogacy, the complexities of known versus anonymous donation, and the rights of children conceived through donation. Sara emphasizes the need for clear legal advice at the start of any fertility journey, especially for intended parents navigating the world of assisted reproduction.
Key takeaways:
- Legal changes have made known sperm donation easier with fewer restrictions.
- Surrogacy laws vary by province, with some requiring court orders to establish parentage.
- Donors can only be reimbursed for expenses, not compensated in Canada.
- Children’s rights to access donor information are becoming more important as genetic testing evolves.
- Legal agreements are essential for surrogacy to ensure clear parentage rights.
Sara Cohen Bio:
Sara R. Cohen, LL.B., is a Toronto-based fertility law lawyer who works with clients across Canada and internationally. She specializes in fertility law, representing intended parents, surrogates, donors, fertility clinics, and others. Sara has received multiple accolades, including being named one of Canada's Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers. She holds leadership roles in several fertility-related organizations, including the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society, and has been an adjunct professor of reproductive law. Sara is an expert in third-party reproduction and legal parentage, providing expert testimony and advice to governments. She is frequently quoted in the media and is passionate about her work and mentoring future fertility lawyers.
Where To Find Sara Cohen:
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