More than 100 families gathered on Sunday at Alhambra Hall in Mount Pleasant to celebrate the children born through fertility treatments provided by Coastal Fertility Specialists.
The event, organized by Coastal Fertility Specialists, was a joyful reunion for families who have successfully overcome infertility challenges. Dr. John Schnorr, Medical Director of Coastal Fertility Specialists, emphasized the significance of the occasion, highlighting that one in seven couples face infertility.
“These are couples we’ve supported through their most difficult times when they couldn’t conceive,” Dr. Schnorr remarked. “Today, we’re here to celebrate their persistence and the beautiful families they’ve built.”
Dr. Schnorr also addressed recent developments in fertility treatment laws, specifically referring to a new law in Alabama. In February, the Alabama Supreme Court allowed three couples to pursue wrongful death lawsuits after their frozen embryos were destroyed in a storage accident, equating frozen embryos to children. Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill on March 6 that shields providers from legal action related to the destruction of embryos during IVF services.
“The Alabama decision was unfortunate, but it’s reassuring that the legislature acted to protect fertility treatments,” Dr. Schnorr stated. “We are committed to advocating for the protection of fertility treatments and will monitor developments to ensure the best outcomes for everyone involved.”
Dr. Schnorr expressed confidence that most Americans support fertility treatments and are unlikely to accept restrictive measures. He hopes this sentiment continues to prevail both in South Carolina and nationwide.
Leanna Willard, a patient at Coastal Fertility, shared her views on embryo storage. “Once my egg and his sperm created embryos, that’s life,” she said. “There’s always the question of whether to donate them to others struggling to conceive, keep them frozen for future use, or donate them to science.”
Another patient, Sarah Hewitt, encouraged individuals to consider starting fertility treatments independently. “I began my fertility journey before meeting my husband,” Hewitt shared. “My advice to women eager to become mothers is that it’s perfectly okay to start this journey on your own.”
Dr. Schnorr reassured those facing infertility that numerous treatment options are available. “Even the toughest cases can be treated with modern fertility treatments,” he said. “We have various options to assist even the most challenging cases.”
The celebration underscored the resilience and joy of the families who have successfully navigated their fertility journeys, reaffirming Coastal Fertility Specialists’ commitment to supporting all couples in their quest to start families.
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