1. Infertility and Sterility

2. 80 – 85% of all couples trying to conceive will do so within one year. Those who do not are known as infertile. WHY?? ½ of those couples who are known as infertile will conceive later either on their own or with medical help. Sterility – the condition of being permanently unable to conceive or carry fully biological children. This happens to both men and women.

3. Causes of Infertility/Sterility Reproductive Diseases and problems with reproductive organs (endometriosis, decreased sperm count) Exposure to drugs, chemicals and radiation Sexually Transmitted Diseases Smoking Overweight / Underweight Excessive Exercise Aging

4. Overcoming Infertility Fertility Counseling – medical evaluation that seeks to determine the reasons for fertility problems and explore possible treatment options Hormones, drugs or surgery might be able to repair problems with reproductive organs If surgery doesn’t work, adoption or foster care may be considered

5. Adoption in Kentucky You must be a Kentucky resident at least 21 years old. You can be single, married, divorced, or widowed. You can have step children, birth children, adopted, foster children or adult children in your home. You can be a working couple, a working mother or father, a stay at home parent or retired.

6. Infant Adoptions in Kentucky Infant adoptions in Kentucky are done through an adoption agency or an adoption attorney. It is important that you choose an agency or attorney that is licensed in Kentucky and has handled infant adoptions. With the Safe Haven law passage, mother's can also take babies to a fire station, police station or EMS within 72 hours of the birth.

7. International Adoptions in Kentucky There are many countries to adopt from and each country has its own regulations. Some countries will limit the age of the people that may adopt, and others have different lengths of time that you must remain in the country after you have taken custody of the child. Each country also has different regulations on the age of child that they will allow to be adopted. It is extremely important that you work with an adoption agency that is familiar with the laws of each country.

8. Kentucky Adoption Home Study A home study is completed no matter what type of adoption you pursue. A home study is somewhat like a job interview. Parenting is the most important job you will ever do, so the interview is extensive. A police record check of the domestic violence and child abuse databases, personal references and other paperwork are required. You will also discuss very personal details about your life with the worker doing the home study. Things like your job, your family stability, your childhood, and any parenting skills you have. This interview will also help you decide the bet type of adoption for you.

9. ART Methods Assisted Reproductive Technologies Get into your groups and discuss your various ART methods. Compare to the others – which is most successful? Which is least successful? Drawbacks of ART – ½ of ART attempts fail – Expensive – May have to attempt multiple times – Travel – Ethical and legal issues

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