By: Marla Neufeld, Esq.
In a recent episode of The Surrogacy Space , I had the pleasure of discussing the critical topic of mental health evaluations in third-party reproduction with Dr. Jennifer Goldin, a licensed clinical psychologist and Director of Psychological Services for Palm Beach Women’s Counseling . The significance of mental health evaluations cannot be overstated. As an attorney specializing in surrogacy and third-party reproductive technology law, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that mental health support can have on all parties involved.
Dr. Goldin’s insights into the mental health evaluation process for donors and intended parents shed light on the essential role these evaluations play in ensuring a smooth and informed journey through surrogacy and donor (egg donation, sperm donation, and embryo donation) arrangements. Mental health evaluations are not merely a procedural step; they are a cornerstone of the third-party reproduction process, providing invaluable support and guidance to all involved.
The Role of Mental Health Support
Mental health support is crucial for individuals navigating the complexities of surrogacy and donor arrangements. Dr. Goldin emphasized that while mental health evaluations are not a legal requirement in Florida, they are considered best practice. These evaluations involve separate sessions for surrogates, donors, and intended parents, and in my cases except those involved in anonymous donation arrangements, followed by a joint session to ensure alignment and understanding among all parties.
The evaluation process is designed to address various aspects, including family background, mental health history, and motivations for participating in third-party reproduction. For donors, understanding the potential mental health implications involved in the donation of their genetic material is vital, as it allows them to make informed decisions about their participation. Dr. Goldin highlighted the importance of discussing the limits of anonymity and the potential for future contact, given the advancements in genetic testing and facial recognition technology.
The Mental Health Evaluation Process
The mental health evaluation process is tailored to the unique needs of each participant. For donors, the process includes discussions about their motivations, comfort with potential recipients, and understanding of the medical and emotional commitments involved. Additionally, many donors are motivated by a desire to help others, often having personal connections to individuals who have experienced infertility.
For intended parents, the process is more of a consultation than an evaluation. Dr. Goldin prefers to refer to these meetings as consultations to alleviate any apprehension about “passing” a psychological test. Her role is to provide psychoeducational support, enabling intended parents to make informed decisions about their family-building journey. Early consultations are particularly beneficial, as they allow intended parents to consider the long-term implications of their choices and prepare for future discussions with their children about their origins.
Future Implications and Accessibility
The future implications of third-party reproduction are a significant focus of mental health evaluations. Discussions about the future disposition of genetic material and how to communicate with children about their origins are critical components of the process. Intended parents should start these conversations early, integrating them into their family narrative from the beginning.
Accessibility to mental health support has been greatly enhanced by telehealth services, which are offered by Dr. Goldin. This ensures that all parties, regardless of location, can benefit from comprehensive mental health support throughout the surrogacy or donor process.
About Greenspoon Marder Greenspoon Marder LLP is a full-service law firm with over 225 attorneys and more than 20 office locations across the United States. With operations from Miami to New York and from Denver to Los Angeles, our firm attracts some of the nation’s top talent in key markets and innovation hubs. Our core practice areas include Real Estate, Litigation, and Transactional Services, complemented by the capabilities of a full-service firm. Greenspoon Marder has maintained a spot on The American Lawyer’s Am Law 200 as one of the top law firms in the U.S. since 2015, and our goal is to provide exceptional client service by developing a thorough understanding of each client’s business needs and objectives in order to provide strategic, cost-effective solutions.
MEDIA CONTACT
Natalie Villanueva, Director of Marketingnatalie.villanueva@gmlaw.com
This Greenspoon Marder LLP Client Alert is issued for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed or used as general legal advice nor a solicitation of any type. Please contact the author(s) or your Greenspoon Marder LLP contact if you have any questions regarding the currency of this information. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision. Before you decide, ask for written information about the lawyer’s legal qualifications and experience.
