The American Fertility Association

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The American Fertility Association’s Monthly Newsletter

November 29, 2007

AFA SPECIAL PARENTING SEMINAR

Monday, December 10, 2007 from 7-9pm
Admission is free but space is very limited

The American Fertility Association invites you to an evening gathering of informal conversations and exchanges with parents of donor conceived children, potential parents, and donors.

For parents of egg/sperm donor children, it is a chance to exchange thoughts, ideas and learn helpful tools that may assist you with the unique, yet similar challenges of raising children created through this family building option.

For those considering using an egg or sperm donor it is a rare opportunity to meet other parents who are now parenting donor children.

And finally, for those who wondered about “who are these donors,” it can be an unusual opportunity to hear how some donors view their roles in this amazing process.

You must register prior to the seminar date to be included. For more information or to register, please contact Patricia Mendell, LCSW, at (718) 230-9383.

Location: 902 Broadway (between 20th - 21st Street) on the 13th floor

Admission is free but space is very limited. You must register prior to the seminar date to be included.

For more information or to register, please call Patricia Mendell, LCSW, at (718) 230-9383. The seminar will be held at 902 Broadway (between 20th - 21st Street) on the 13th floor.

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TELECOACHING GROUP

TOPIC: Parenting Donor Gamete Children (donor sperm, donor egg, donor embryo). The Disclosure Issue: If, What, When, and How

This coaching group is accessible to you via your telephone.
It is appropriate for couples and individuals who:

Are considering the use of donor sperm, egg, or embryo to create their children
Are already parenting children created by donor sperm, egg, or embryo

During this one hour group conference call, you will have the opportunity to receive information on:

The pros and cons of disclosure to children of their genetic origin
What and when to share this information with children if you so choose
How or if to share this information with family or friends
Help for those of you who have already begun to share and have questions

You will also have the opportunity to share information and support one another in making and implementing this aspect of parenting.

WHEN:	Tuesday, January 29, 2008
TIME:	9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern time
FACILITATED BY:	Joann Paley Galst, Ph.D. and Patricia Mendell, L.C.S.W.

NO FEE for AFA MEMBERS!

For further information and to register, contact
Joann Galst (jgalst@aol.com or 212-759-2783)
or Patricia Mendell (pmendell@aol.com or 212-819-1778)

Joann Paley Galst, Ph.D. is a psychologist in private practice specializing in mind-body medicine and reproductive health issues, including infertility, pregnancy loss, and pregnancy and parenting after infertility. She is a past chairperson of the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and is currently the co-director of Support Services for the American Fertility Association. She is the author of numerous articles on infertility and is a nationally recognized expert on the psychological aspects of reproductive health.

Patricia Mendell, LCSW, BCD, is a clinical social worker in private practice in Manhattan and Brooklyn. She is Co-chair of the American Fertility Association (AFA) and the facilitator of the AFA Ovum Donor Seminar Series. She is co-author of the fact sheet for AFA on "Talking to Children about Ovum Donation". Ms Mendell has written and spoken extensively on numerous topics regarding fertility, third party reproduction, parenting after infertility, disclosure, multi-fetal reduction, pregnancy loss and adoption. As an infertility and pregnancy loss survivor, she is well aware of the impact decision making choices have on people’s lives. In her role as therapist and consumer advocate, she gives those seeking her help both practical and therapeutic advice on how to better cope with stress, resolve marital tensions, and select and explore solutions to their family building dilemmas.

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NEW YORK CITY WOMEN'S IN-PERSON OVER FORTY SUPPORT GROUP FORMING NOW

Do you feel alone? Are you stuck in feeling anxious or depressed? Does the majority of your life focus on starting a family? Are you confused or unsure what your next step is? This Support Group will help you deal with these issues and move toward resolution of your fertility struggle.

Facilitated by Joan Winograd, LCSW, American Fertility Association Support Group Leader

Space is Limited. You may contact Joan at 212-362-4003 or e-mail at Joanwino@aol.com

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WEST COAST PROGRAMS

Four Seminars Offered

EGG DONATION: WORKING WITH A THIRD PARTY
CHOOSING SINGLE PARENTING
CREATING A SUCCESSFUL SURROGATE ARRANGEMENT
GAY AND LESBIAN PARENTING

The American Fertility Association is sponsoring separate discussion groups for patients considering alternative family building options. The emotional, medical and practical aspects of each of these arrangements will be explored, such that prospective parents can make an informed decision about whether these plans are the “right” choice for them.

Elaine R. Gordon, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist with a specialty in reproductive medicine. She has worked in the field for twenty years helping individuals and couples build families through non-traditional options. She is the author of “Mommy, Did I Grow in Your Tummy? Where some Babies Come From”.

Ellen Speyer, M.A., M.S., MFT. is a psychotherapist with twenty years with working with assisted reproduction, pregnancy loss, surrogacy, and adoption. She is a retired Chair of the Education Committee for the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Location: Groups will be offered both in Orange County and Los Angeles
Dates: Call for meeting dates	Phone: (310) 454-0502 or (949) 252-1525
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m	Fee: $30 individual; $40 per couple
*Group Size Limited, Reservations Required*

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The American Fertility Association, 305 Madison Avenue Suite 449, New York NY 10165.
Support Line: 888-917-3777. Fax: 718-601-7722. www.afafamilymatters.com