For the past seven days, adoption of embryos has been legal in the U.S. state of Georgia. This law -- which went into effect July 1 -- is the first of its kind in the nation, according to an article by Stephen Gurr of the Gainesville Times:

The Option of Adoption Act was introduced by state Rep. James Mills, R-Chestnut Mountain, and is viewed as a victory for anti-abortion groups who want the law to recognize embryos in their earliest stages of development as people. ...

Daniel Becker, president of Georgia Right To Life, said the law could encourage adoptions and more in-vitro fertilizations with the estimated 40,000 embryos cryopreserved in Georgia fertilization clinics. Those who adopt the embryos, most only 2 or 3 days old, for in-vitro fertilization will be eligible for an $11,000 federal adoption credit under the new law, Becker said. ...

In the past, Georgians were allowed to "donate" embryos, but did not fully relinquish parental rights during the time a child was being brought to full term by another, which could potentially lead to court battles over custody.

Under the new law, people who adopt embryos will be eligible for an $11,000 federal adoption credit.

Labels: adoption_laws, embryo_adoption

Posted By: Aspen/CRC