Fertility

A monochrome illustration of three woman is shown in three stages — pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and holding a baby.

Missouri law doesn't clearly protect IVF. But the procedure is safe, for now

Sarah Fentem

A decades-old Missouri law states life begins at conception, which some IVF patients worry puts the procedure at risk. Fertility lawyer Tim Schlesinger said court cases protect the in vitro fertilization, for now.

Jacqueline Brock underwent seven years of fertility treatments before a third round of IVF produced two embryos, one of which resulted in a healthy pregnancy. Now, Brock and her husband, James, say they're concerned their options could be limited for the remaining embryo if it stays in Iowa following the state legislature's recent push to give rights to fetuses generally ascribed to a person.

Health, Science & Environment

The push for embryo rights worries IVF patients and doctors in the Midwest

Natalie Krebs

Thirteen states across the U.S., including much of the Midwest, introduced bills this year that could give some rights to embryos and fetuses usually associated with people. None passed but people in the fertility world are concerned that lawmakers will try again and what that means for reproductive rights.

Illinois State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, speaks as Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker listens on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. Cassidy is proposing Illinois give a $500 tax credit to physicians and patients fleeing states that are limiting access to health care that is lawful in Illinois – which can include abortion, gender-affirming care and fertility treatments.

Health, Science & Environment

Democratic Illinois lawmakers propose ways to protect — or expand — IVF

Mawa Iqbal

Newly introduced legislation in Illinois seeks to expand insurance coverage or offer incentives for fertility care.

Fertility broker pleads guilty to defrauding six Missouri women

An Idaho woman who operated a fertility brokerage business has admitted to defrauding six Missouri women who provided eggs for the business.Janae…

Health, Science & Environment

Fertility expert Dr. Sherman Silber gives hope to infertile men and women

This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Nov. 12, 2009 - As far back as Sherman Silber can remember, his parents told him he wanted to be a…

Health, Science & Environment

Beating the clock? Frozen ovaries make headlines

This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: November 14, 2008 - More women are waiting to start their families, delaying pregnancy until their…

Health, Science & Environment

Whoa, baby: U.S. sees record number of births, but is it another boom

Kristen Hare

This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: August 25, 2008 - Kristin Armstrong began a new job right in the middle of a baby boom. It was a…