Morning Symposium - Nurses’ Professional Group - Cultural Sensitivity Across Borders

Presenters

Cultural Sensitivity Across Borders

Needs Assessment and Description
Given cultural and legal restrictions in many countries on both the types of assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments that are available and the qualifications for prospective parents, American ART programs are seeing an explosion in international prospective parents seeking treatment and, in particularly, gestational surrogacy arrangements. There is a pressing need for programs and professionals who understand the complexities and vulnerabilities inherent in these arrangements. Managing the medical, legal, ethical, financial/insurance and practical aspects of international surrogacy/egg donation requires a knowledgeable team approach, and medical, legal, mental health and other professionals will all benefit from this live session.

Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to: 

1. Describe the multiple steps involved in treatment of international surrogacy/egg recipient patients, and the medical program’s role. 
2. Differentiate legal and medical aspects and needs of international surrogacy participants, including the need for clarity as to immigration, citizenship, parentage and insurance aspects of a proposed arrangement. 
3. Appropriately counsel and alternatively refer both international-intended parents and gestational surrogates.

ACGME Competency
Professionalism

TEST QUESTION:
After participating in this session, in my practice I will: 

1. Advise intended parents to choose a gestational surrogate from any state in the U.S. as long as she has a normal obstetric history. 
2. Advise gestational surrogates regarding their legal rights. 
3. Advise both intended parents and gestational surrogates to retain separate, experienced legal counsel. 
4. Recommend gestational surrogates use their health insurance for the anticipated pregnancy. 
5. Advise international patients looking for a gestational surrogate to start by looking online. 
6. Not applicable to my area of practice.