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, part of a season-long focus on LGBTQ+ issues in reproductive medicine, featured host Jeffrey Hayes and co-host Dr. Lowell Ku alongside Oleaga and Jennifer Maas. The conversation examined how recent legislative shifts are affecting access to fertility treatment, family building, abortion services, and gender-affirming reproductive care.
The discussion delved into the complex laws families must navigate, the influence of ideology on medical decision-making, and the role of advocacy in protecting reproductive autonomy. Released on the eve of Pride Month, the episode underscores the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals seeking to build families. Oleaga's expertise in fertility law and family formation is grounded in her work on landmark cases, such as 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, a bill to enable confirmatory adoption, and LD 1539, which expanded insurance coverage for fertility treatment.
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 several organizations, including NYAAFF, New England Fertility Society, AllPaths, and the BIVF Foundation. The full episode is available on all podcast streaming platforms.
The implications of this announcement are significant for LGBTQ+ families and advocates. By highlighting the legal and political barriers to reproductive care, the podcast episode raises awareness and informs listeners about the need for continued advocacy. As legislative environments shift, understanding the legal landscape is crucial for patients and providers alike. Oleaga's contributions to cases like Matter of Baby DKN and her legislative testimony demonstrate tangible progress, but the conversation underscores that much work remains to ensure equal access to family-building options for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
