Reproductive Tourism/Cross Border Fertility Care - The American Fertility Association supports a person’s right to determine where they obtain fertility treatment, whether in the United States or abroad, so long as they have educated themselves on the risks that may be involved legally, medically and politically in their country of choice for themselves, as well as for their donors and surrogates.  In fact, they should do their homework and be diligent before starting the process, while speaking with medical and legal professionals here in the United States as they embark on their journey.  

Stem Cell Research-  Research involving human embryonic stem cells and human non-embryonic stem cells has the potential to lead to better understanding and treatment of many disabling diseases and conditions.  The American Fertility Associations supports the conduct of responsible, scientifically worthy human stem cell research, including human embryonic stem cell research.  However, The AFA supports a prohibition on reproductive somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), as stated by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Pro-Choice – The American Fertility Association is Pro-Choice.   Although the AFA hopes that the need and requests for pregnancy terminations will become increasingly rare, they must always remain safe and legal. The AFA supports “reproductive choice” and everything that entails, including the decision to place a child for adoption, therapeutic abortion, or fetal reduction, which need to remain a choice made by the patient with the guidance of their physician.

SART/ASRM Guidelines - The American Fertility Association supports the efforts of SART/ASRM to establish guidelines designed to protect patients medically, emotionally, and legally, while being provided clear informed consents.

Marriage/Family Building Equality – The American Fertility Association supports the right of people to create a family, including those who are single, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) because we believe that families, in all their diverse forms, strengthen society. This includes supporting marriage equality, adoption, access to assisted reproduction and foster care for LGBT community. 

Access to Affordable, Quality Healthcare - The American Fertility Association endorses state and federal legislation that will provide access to affordable, quality health care, which includes fertility treatment. 

Federal Regulation of ART –The AFA supports federal regulation that opens the doors of family building to all individuals, whether married or single and regardless of sexual orientation, while not placing arbitrary restrictions on any form of reproductive technology that is approved and covered by guidelines set by SART/ASRM.

Compensated Gamete Donation and Surrogacy – The American Fertility Association does not support a ban on compensated gamete donation and surrogacy, as such a ban will likely limit most individual’s ability to utilize gamete donation or surrogacy in their decision to build a family.  In fact, the AFA understands that surrogates and gamete donors have the right to make decisions regarding their own bodies, so long as they are provided appropriate medical, legal and psychological advice and support.

The Hague Treaty and International Adoption Law/Regulation - The American Fertility Association endorses that Hague Treaty and promotes all efforts to educate adults about orphaned children in the US and abroad so that they may be adopted into safe and loving homes.

Genetic Testing/PGD - The American Fertility Association supports an individual’s right to genetic testing, including PGD, PGS, CVS and other technologies, provided they receive appropriate medical counseling as supported by SART/ASRM. 

Number of Embryo Transferred - The American Fertility Association supports the ASRM guidelines on the recommended number of embryos to be transferred into an Intended Mother or surrogate based on certain parameters for their case as evaluated by their treating physician; however, the AFA does not support mandated limits on the number of embryo transferred.

Donor Gamete Registries and Records (Sperm and Egg) – The American Fertility Association supports the creation of a donor gamete registry in order to protect the potential rights of the child being created through reproductive technologies, as well as the gamete donors themselves.  The AFA acknowledges the need for medical and genetic information while respecting the privacy of the families, as well as the gamete donors and their families. 

Parenting – Maternal and Paternal Age & Physical Limitations – The American Fertility Association does not support mandatory limits on parenting, including age and physical limitations, as many factors come into play such as advanced parental age and disabilities.  However, the AFA does recommend appropriate legal, medical and psychological counseling for all such patients.