Lombard, IL Egg Donor Agreement Lawyers

Trusted Attorneys for Egg Donor and Assisted Reproduction Agreements in Lombard, Illinois

At A. Traub & Associates, we believe that every individual and couple should have the opportunity to build a family in whatever way that best suits them. Our attorneys further believe that this right should extend to same-sex couples, opposite-sex couples who cannot conceive naturally, and people who wish to become parents on their own without being in a marriage or other relationship.

In some situations, adoption may provide a solution, but advances in medical technology have created new and exciting avenues for those who wish to have children of their own. In vitro fertilization using egg cells donated by another party may allow a person to become pregnant when this would have been possible otherwise.

Throughout the country, however—including here in Illinois—lawmakers have struggled to keep up with the pace of bio-technological advancement. While Illinois law does address the rights of egg donors and intended parents, it only does so to a limited extent. As a result, egg donor agreements are of critical importance to those who wish to use donated eggs as well as those who wish to donate. When creating these types of agreements, it is crucial to work with an attorney with a strong understanding of the law who can provide guidance on the best ways to protect your rights and avoid possible future disputes.

The Role of an Egg Donor

According to the Illinois Parentage Act of 2015 (750 ILCS 46), a donor is a person "who participates in an assisted reproductive technology arrangement by providing gametes,"—namely egg or sperm cells. Under the law, a donor gives up his or her potential rights and responsibilities regarding any resulting child so that the child's intended parents may be named the child's legal parents. By law, a donor does not include either intended parent.

An egg donor may agree to donate eggs in a known donation arrangement or through an anonymous donation. In a known donation arrangement, both the intended parent and the donor must be represented by separate attorneys. Prior to any insemination or transfer procedures, the two sides must reach an agreement in which the donor relinquishes all rights and responsibilities related to the resulting child. If the agreement is drafted correctly and signed by both parties, the intended parent will become the resulting child's legal parent.

In an anonymous donation situation, the donor may preemptively relinquish any parental rights and responsibilities at the time of the donation. This relinquishment must be in writing, and it must be directed to the entity through which the donation was made.

Representing Intended Parents and Egg Donors in Northern Illinois

The experienced attorneys at A. Traub & Associates know that assisted reproduction arrangements can be extremely complicated. We understand that an egg donor agreement must address concerns such as compensation in addition to the relinquishment of parental rights and responsibilities. With our background and knowledge of the law, we are equipped to provide top-quality representation for both donors and intended parents.

Our lawyers also recognize the complications that can arise if either intended parent or the donor wishes to terminate the agreement. In such cases, it is important to act quickly before any procedures are performed that could result in conception, pregnancy, and the birth of the child. If you are a donor or an intended parent, and you have changed your mind about your role in an assisted reproductive arrangement, our team is prepared to help you protect your rights and your best interests.

Contact Our Lombard Egg Donor Agreement Attorneys

For more information about egg donor agreements in Illinois, contact our office. Call 630-426-0196 to arrange a confidential consultation to discuss your case. A. Traub & Associates serves clients in Lombard, DuPage County, Cook County, and throughout Northern Illinois.