ASRM Center for Policy and Leadership Sponsors Petrie-Flom Center’s Annual Conference on Embryo Law and Ethics at Harvard Law School
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC—This year, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)’s Center for Policy and Leadership (CPL) is co-sponsoring the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard Law School 2026 Annual Conference: “Embryo Law and Ethics.”
“The Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and the overturn of Roe v. Wade introduced new complexities into the legal framework around how our society handles in vitro embryos, from personhood, to the regulation of in vitro fertilization (IVF) care, to parental rights and more,” said CPL Director Becca O’Connor, JD. “At the heart of these complex legal, regulatory, and ethical factors are real people looking to make the best decisions for themselves in growing their families. For many, IVF remains the most effective form of assisted reproduction, and Americans deserve care that is both affordable and accessible.”
The conference will serve as a convening point to discuss the rapidly changing landscape of embryo law and ethics, with guest speakers and panelists covering topics such as:
- The history and future of IVF, including how state lawmakers are shaping IVF policy
- IVF and justice after Dobbs, including parentage, personhood, and regulation
- How legal constraints on embryo research can inform IVF governance
- Defining embryos and personhood in the context of moral status, science, and the law
- Examining the law and ethics of AI-selected embryos
For almost a century, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has been the global leader in multidisciplinary reproductive medicine research, ethical practice, and education. ASRM impacts reproductive care and science worldwide by creating funding opportunities for advancing reproduction research and discovery, by providing evidence-based education and public health information, and by advocating for reproductive health care professionals and the patients they serve. With members in more than 100 countries, the Society is headquartered in Washington, DC, with additional operations in Birmingham, AL. www.asrm.org
For media inquiries regarding this press release contact:
Sean Tipton
ASRM Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer
E: stipton@asrm.org
Anna Hovey
Advocacy Engagement Specialist
E: ahovey@asrm.org
J. Benjamin Younger Office of Public Affairs
726 7th St. SE
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 863-2494
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