Archives for February 2024

Some Challenges That Adopted Children Face

Adopting Older Children

Research by the Arizona Department of Child Safety found that very few children who age out of foster care earn a college degree, and one in five become homeless after turning 18. While some may argue that older children have the greatest need for adoption, they often face the greatest challenges afterwards. They may struggle to form connections with their new family and experience serious grief over missing their biological family.

To help older adopted children adjust to their new family and environment, it is important to be mindful of their needs. Give them time and space to process the changes in their lives, and don’t try to force relationships. Including things that might remind them of the positive aspects of their former life could also be helpful. For example, cooking food they might have regularly had before or taking them to familiar places may help them feel as though they haven’t lost every part of their past. Try to keep an open mind and communicate your expectations clearly. Once they realize you are trustworthy and have their best interests at heart, they will likely come to love their new home and your family.

Establishing Identity

No matter what age a child is adopted, they may have feelings of not belonging at some point in their lives. Once they become aware they are adopted, they may feel as though they are not the same as your other children because they are not your biological child. They also might have a sense of displacement because they don’t know their biological parents or their family history.

One important step in preparing to tell your child they are adopted is being ready to talk about their biological family. It is a good idea to compile as much information as the biological parents are comfortable providing so you can help your child form a more solid sense of identity. Being able to tell your adopted child why their biological parents decided to give them up for adoption could help them adjust more positively. Also, being able to describe their biological parents’ mannerisms and appearance can help the child feel as though they have some insight into where they came from.

If possible, it might be a good idea to foster a relationship between the biological parents and the child, if the adopted parents believe it would be beneficial. If all parties agree, a New Jersey adoption attorney could help create an agreement between the parents that establishes healthy boundaries for communication and interaction with the child.

Addressing Traumatic Experiences

Your child could have been exposed to unhealthy and traumatic circumstances before they came to live with you. It is a good idea to attempt to identify those negative issues before adoption and make a plan to address them. Your New Jersey adoption attorney could help compile information about the biological parents to identify any potential problems associated with their background. If not dealt with, trauma can cause difficulty in developing relationships, managing school requirements and adjusting to their new environment. Additionally, the discovery that they are adopted could be a traumatic experience that could have a lasting impact on their mental health.

Providing counseling services for your adopted child may help them learn to work through their negative experiences from biological families or foster care placements. They will also learn skills to help them cope with any negative emotions they may have related to adoption.

If you are considering adoption, you need a New Jersey advocate who will look out for the best interest of your family and your new addition. At Cofsky & Zeidman, we are ready to do everything we can to help you have the best adoption experience possible. Call our Haddonfield location today at 856-429-5005, and let us help you create the family you’ve always wanted.

New Jersey Enacts Legislation Expanding Insurance Coverage for Infertility Care

On January 12, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved in the realm of reproductive healthcare and reproductive freedom in the state of New Jersey. Governor Phil Murphy signed a groundbreaking bill into law, marking a momentous step towards making fertility services more accessible and affordable for all residents. This crucial legislation not only addresses the financial burdens faced by individuals and families struggling with infertility but also serves as a beacon of hope for same-sex couples seeking to expand their families. In this article, we will delve into the details of this remarkable development and its implications, highlighting how it reinforces the commitment of New Jersey to supporting those on the journey towards parenthood.

Infertility Care

Expanding Insurance Coverage for Infertility Treatment

The new legislation represents a pivotal moment in the fight for reproductive rights, as it extends insurance coverage for infertility treatment to all individuals in the state of New Jersey. For many couples and individuals, the costs associated with infertility treatments can be exorbitant, often acting as a formidable barrier to pursuing their dreams of parenthood. With this bill, these financial obstacles are significantly reduced, if not entirely eliminated, ensuring that those who desire to start or expand their families have access to the necessary medical assistance.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this legislation is that it does not discriminate based on gender or sexual orientation. It recognizes the diverse range of families in New Jersey and ensures that same-sex couples, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals, are equally entitled to fertility services and insurance coverage. This is a testament to the state’s commitment to inclusivity and support for all individuals on their path to parenthood.

A Dream Come True for Many

Infertility can be a heartbreaking and emotionally taxing journey for those who experience it. The prospect of starting a family may seem unattainable due to the immense financial burden associated with fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or assisted reproductive technologies (ART). However, with the enactment of this legislation, the dream of parenthood is now within reach for countless New Jersey residents.

By expanding insurance coverage for infertility treatments, the bill alleviates the financial stress that often accompanies infertility. This means that individuals and couples will no longer have to make difficult choices between their desire to have children and their financial well-being. This newfound accessibility to fertility services empowers families to make choices based on their aspirations and needs, rather than being constrained by financial limitations.

An Inclusive Approach to Reproductive Rights

One of the most laudable aspects of New Jersey’s new legislation is its commitment to inclusivity and equal access to fertility services. The bill’s recognition of diverse family structures ensures that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have the same rights and opportunities to seek fertility treatment. This marks a significant stride toward equal representation and acceptance in the realm of reproductive healthcare, reinforcing New Jersey’s commitment to inclusivity and equality.

A Resounding Victory for Reproductive Freedom

The signing of this legislation sends a powerful message about New Jersey’s unwavering support for reproductive freedom. It is a testament to the state’s dedication to providing comprehensive healthcare options for its residents and ensuring that the pursuit of parenthood remains a viable and attainable goal.

By expanding insurance coverage for infertility care, New Jersey joins a select group of states leading the way in reproductive rights. This victory has been welcomed with open arms by advocates for infertility awareness and reproductive health, as it demonstrates a clear commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by those struggling with infertility.

A Step Towards a Brighter Future

The impact of this legislation extends far beyond the immediate benefits of expanded insurance coverage for infertility treatments. It signifies a societal shift towards greater compassion, understanding, and support for individuals and couples facing infertility. It acknowledges the profound emotional and psychological toll that infertility can take and offers a lifeline to those in need.

For many, the journey to parenthood has been an arduous one, marked by uncertainty and frustration. The signing of this bill is not only a legislative achievement but also a symbol of hope and perseverance. It reaffirms that the state of New Jersey is committed to standing with its residents in their pursuit of happiness, family, and fulfillment.

Conclusion

The enactment of legislation expanding insurance coverage for infertility care in New Jersey is a momentous occasion in the fight for reproductive rights. This comprehensive approach to strengthening reproductive healthcare and reproductive freedom is a resounding victory for all individuals and families struggling with infertility, including same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals. It signifies a significant step towards making the dream of parenthood a reality for countless residents.

We applaud the state’s commitment to inclusivity, equal access, and affordable healthcare. We understand the legal complexities that may arise in this context and are here to support and advocate for individuals and couples seeking fertility treatments. The expansion of insurance coverage for infertility care is not only a legislative achievement but also a symbol of hope and progress for New Jersey and its residents.

Attorney Donald Cofsky is a Fellow and a Past President of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys. He has assisted over 2,000 couples and individuals in completing their adoptions and forming their families. Call to schedule a consultation with Mr. Cofsky at 856- 429-5005

The Mediterranean diet and in vitro fertilization

The Mediterranean Diet and In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization is a medical process that helps women with fertility issues to conceive. During an IVF cycle, eggs are fertilized in a laboratory and then placed in the patient’s uterus. Each IVF cycle is expensive, and many women go through several cycles before they become pregnant. To improve their chances of conceiving through IVF, women often alter their diets or take nutritional supplements.

It is known that diets high in saturated fats and processed sugars can reduce fertility, but does eating healthier food improve the chances of becoming pregnant? To answer that question, a team of researchers reviewed 27 studies that examined the impact nutritional interventions have on IVF success.

Diet, Supplements and IVF Success Rates

The studies reviewed were published between 2015 and 2023. The research team, which was led by an obstetrics and gynecology professor from the University of Western Australia, found that taking some nutritional supplements appears to lead to better IVF outcomes, but the evidence was far from compelling. Nutritional supplements that could help women to conceive through IVF include:

  • DHEA and COQ-10: Some of the studies reviewed suggest that a combination of dehydroepiandrosterone and COQ-10 can boost ovarian stimulation. These supplements could be especially beneficial for older IVF patients as egg production peaks in the late teens and early 20s.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids and melatonin: The researchers found some evidence linking omega-3 fatty acid and melatonin supplements with increased fertility and better IVF outcomes.
  • Myoinositol: Taking myoinositol supplements could help women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome to conceive. However, the researchers say that more studies are needed to better understand the link between myoinositol and fertility.

Other nutritional supplements like antioxidants seem to have little or no effect on fertility or IVF outcomes. The researchers also reviewed studies that explored the benefits of following a Mediterranean diet while undergoing IVF treatment. The evidence linking dietary interventions with improved IVF outcomes was much stronger in these studies.

The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is recommended by many doctors and health groups because it is high in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Based on the foods typically consumed in southern Europe, the Mediterranean diet is rich in:

  • Fruits, vegetables and legumes
  • Whole grains
  • Fish and poultry
  • Plant-based fats like olive oil

People who follow the Mediterranean diet eat less of the processed foods that have been linked to obesity, diabetes and heart disease, and the foods they do eat are low in sodium and good sources of health promoting B-complex vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Studies suggest that these nutrients can also improve fertility. The researchers concluded that following the Mediterranean diet is the most effective step that women who are receiving IVF treatments can take.

The Mediterranean diet promotes health and wellness, and studies suggest that following it can improve fertility in just six weeks. Researchers who produced a study published in the medical journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology in 2019 reached similar conclusions. They found that following the Mediterranean diet can increase the number of embryos available for IVF treatment.

IVF Legal Issues

IVF gives women who have had difficulty becoming pregnant the opportunity to have children, but undergoing this type of medical treatment raises some thorny legal issues. If you are thinking about exploring IVF, a New Jersey adoption lawyer could help you by reviewing all of the agreements and documents you will be asked to sign to make sure that your rights are protected. An attorney may also help you to decide how your embryos will be stored and who will have access to them if you decide to divorce or separate.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a New Jersey adoption lawyer to discuss legal issues relating to IVF, you can call us at (856) 429-5005 or complete our online form. Our New Jersey offices are located in Haddonfield and Woodbury, and our Pennsylvania office is in Philadelphia.

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