NEWS
Parenting Options for European Gay Men
We are pleased to announce that we are official sponsors of the Brussels Conference on Parenting Options for European Gay Men. This event brings together a broad spectrum of resources including medical, legal, and financial information and opportunities for direct discussion with providers and other experts.
As providers of 3rd party reproduction and fertility treatments in Spain and the U.S., we are committed to expanding education and access to these services. We are proud to partner with an event that creates new opportunities for parenting across the globe. To read more, visit https://menhavingbabies.org/surrogacy-seminars/brussels/
Proud Sponsors of the Boise Pride Festival 2022!
We are proud to support our LGBTQ+ community through the provision of 3rd party reproduction and fertility treatments all year round, and we are so excited to sponsor the 2022 Boise Pride Festival September 9th–11th. Visit www.boisepridefest.org for festival details!
Concerned About Roe v Wade: Take Action—There is Something You Can Do Now! Right Now!
It’s more important than ever that Congress supports the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA) to make sure that this essential health care is accessible in every state. WHPA would protect the right to abortion access nationwide. Call or email your Senator and tell them to vote yes on the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA). To find the contact info for your Senator, use this tool or call the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate office you request.
Don’t know what to say? Use this sample script as a guide: “As your constituent and an ASRM member/[insert professional title as applicable, e.g., “a reproductive endocrinologist”] I ask that the member vote YES on WHPA. I firmly believe that a failure to act could have serious repercussions on patient safety and that reproductive health care decisions must be the purview of patients and their physicians and will be watching for his/her vote on this critical bill.”
The Concern
Like you, ASRM is extremely concerned over the probable decision from the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v Wade and its impact on the reproductive medical field, the impact to our members’ livelihoods, and the impact on access to safe medical care for patients. The clearest danger is the ambiguity about the legal status of in-vitro fertilized eggs.
Our Position
ASRM is opposed to any policy that takes away any person’s right to access all forms of reproductive care, and we are especially concerned that this could have repercussions on our members’ ability to safely perform IVF and any other infertility treatment or procedure in accordance with best medical practices. We believe that health care decisions, particularly on reproductive matters, need to be the purview of patients and their physicians, not politicians.
What We’ve Done
ASRM is moving quickly to create and share information about how this decision will impact our members and their patients.
To date, ASRM has:
- Joined five amicus briefs
- Written 19 letters specifically opposing abortion restrictions
- Signed on to 16 letters in support of expanding access to care
- Coordinated with multiple ASMR members to testify before their state legislators supporting ASRM’s stance on various bills
Click here to view the ASRM Advocacy Activities Report.
How Can ASRM Members Help to Advocate for Themselves and Their Professions?
In recent years, we have witnessed new challenges to our mission: misconceptions about the disease of infertility persist; unwarranted regulations of the practice of reproductive medicine are proposed; restrictions on third-party reproduction and compensation to egg or sperm donors are debated; and attempts have been made to define a fertilized egg as a person. All of these threats serve to illustrate the importance of our members becoming more actively involved in protecting the field of reproductive medicine.
While the reality is that there is not much we can do today to change this decision, we can arm ourselves for future protections on both the state and federal level. If Roe v Wade is revoked, it will set the stage for states to legislate in this area. You need to be prepared to get involved to advocate in your state.
Here’s How You Can Get Involved:
Prepare, then take action:
- Know your organizations and their issues
- Know your issues and stay informed
- If you can, register to vote and vote in every election!
- Give time or money to campaigns that are important to you and your issues
- Contact your elected officials and maintain a relationship with their offices
- Speak out in your communities about issues that impact your patients
Talk to your Legislators!
Federal level: See tips for contacting your federal representatives above in red.
State level: This toolkit provides you with a process for how to advocate for your yourself and your patients on the state level.
Posting on social media is great, but calling or meeting with your legislators is most effective. You can find your legislators’ information here.
Don’t know what to say? Use this sample script as a guide:
“Hello, my name is [x], and I’m calling from [my town]. I’m calling in opposition/support of Bill Number XX.”
You can feel free to end here and just give your phone number. OR! You can give a sentence or two in explanation of why you oppose or support the bill:
“I am a [reproductive endocrinologist] and I oppose any bill that would interfere with my ability to provide the best course of care for my patients. My phone number 555-555-5555. Thank you so much.”
National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) 2022
The National Infertility Association will recognize National Infertility Awareness Week, April 24 through April 30, 2022. The movement brings together millions of Americans who want to remove the stigmas and barriers that stand in the way of building families. RESOLVE will rally the infertility community to raise awareness about the significant lack of access to family building options and emotional support for millions of women and men struggling to build a family.
Find out more about NIAW at infertilityawareness.org and www.resolve.org.
2022 Fertility Advocacy Day
For many people the journey to parenthood can be a long, emotional one without the added burden of legislative and financial barriers. At ICRM we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build a family, which is why we are proud to support the 2022 Fertility Advocacy Day.
Advocacy Day is a RESOLVE event where the infertility community comes together to talk to Members of Congress about important issues, like increased access to family building options and financial relief. Join us on May 18, 2022!
You can learn more and register here: https://resolve.org/events/advocacy-day/#:~:text=Advocacy%20Day%20is%20a%20RESOLVE,us%20on%20May%2018%2C%202022
ICRM Entry Protocol Change
As of Tuesday, September 21, 2021, we are proceeding with the following updates to our COVID-19 entry protocol for patients:
• Masks are required for all who enter as well as for all ICRM staff members; masks MUST be worn properly, covering the mouth and nose.
• Patients may come directly into the ICRM clinic upon arrival
• One spouse/guest per patient is allowed for the following appointment types: new patient consultation with physician, existing patient consult with physician, egg retrieval, embryo transfer, IUI insemination, and obstetrical ultrasounds
• Guest are not permitted for the following appointment types: non-obstetrical ultrasounds, blood draws, non-new-patient consultations, semen analyses, treatment plans of care, injection instructions, and financial consults
• Please do not bring children with you to appointments
We strive to provide superior patient care as safely as possible.
The most current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) information can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Again, our mission is to serve our patients and staff as safely and effectively as we can. Please reach out to your treatment coordinator with any questions and for updates.
Thank you,
ICRM
Dr. Cristin Slater Featured in Podcast
Dr. Slater was featured in a podcast from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) about genetics and IVF.
Genetics is a significant part of advanced reproductive technology screening. Genetic counselors serve an essential role in the process. In this episode, Jenna Miller, a board-certified and licensed genetic counselor, and Dr. Cristin Slater explain what preconceptual genetic carrier screening is and discuss preconception genetic testing (PGT) of embryos.
Listen to the podcast here:
SART Fertility Experts: SART Fertility Experts – Genetics and IVF (libsyn.com)
Surrogacy in the US – Where to begin and who can help?
Are you considering Surrogacy in the US, but unsure where to start or the costs involved? This FREE webinar will help you understand in more detail if the US is the right pathway for you. We have guest speakers from Surro Connections, the Fertility Clinic Idaho Center for Reproductive Medicine, and Sarah Williams from the UK Law firm Payne Hicks Beach. This free webinar is available for all Intended Parents and will hopefully be the first step in helping you understand if US Surrogacy is for you, supported by My Surrogacy Journey—the latest UK not for profit organisation offering unrivaled membership benefits—as we explore this fascinating topic and discuss genetics and future trends within the industry. Event is May 27, 2021 08:00 PM in London. To register, please visit: https://us06web.zoom.us/…/reg…/WN_5IMfXcH5Q2OlwI2h-wq6xA
Update: Our COVID-19 Response
As of Monday, May 17, 2021, we are proceeding with the following updates to our COVID-19 entry protocol for patients:
- Masks are required for all who enter as well as for all ICRM staff members
- Patients may come directly into the ICRM clinic upon arrival where they will answer screening questions and have their temperature checked
- One spouse/guest per patient is now allowed for all appointment types, however, please only bring a guest if necessary
- Please do not bring children with you to appointments
We are happy to be continuing our return to usual operations and are doing so as safely as possible.
The most current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) information can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Again, our mission is to serve our patients and staff as safely and effectively as we can. Please reach out to your treatment coordinator with any questions and for updates.
Data Breach Notice
The Idaho Center for Reproductive Medicine (ICRM) was notified of a data security breach that occurred in 2020 affecting patient information held by US Fertility. US Fertility provides electronic medical records systems to fertility clinics, and did so for ICRM until August of 2020. ICRM does not have any information regarding what type of information may have been obtained, the number of patients involved, or what such information may have been used for. We recommend that any individual receiving notice of a potential breach to their privileged information contained on the US Fertility platform read and consider following the specific instructions provided in that notice. A link to the notice can be found here: https://www.usfertility.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/USF-Notice-Security.pdf
New Patient Portal
We are changing to a new EMR and patient portal beginning August 17, 2020. Please take a moment and register for the new patient portal using the link below. You will use the portal to enter in contact and insurance information, complete your medical history, access your lab work, cycle information, financial information, consent forms and more. Create your new username and password today!
ICRM Welcomes Dr. Kyle Tobler
ICRM IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE ADDITION OF DR. KYLE TOBLER!
Effective June 15, 2020, the Idaho Center for Reproductive Medicine is proud to welcome Dr. Kyle Tobler as the newest provider to our team of physicians. Dr. Tobler joins our group of accomplished and expert providers as a specialist in the treatment of infertility.
Dr. Tobler is originally from Eastern Washington, and received his undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, medical degree from Penn State, and completed his fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. He and his wife and their four children are now excited to call Boise home!
Dr. Tobler is now accepting new patients and looks forward to the opportunity to help build many families at ICRM!
New Email Domain
IMPORTANT ADVISORY: Please note that our email domain has changed! We are now @idahoreproductive.com.
All ICRM emails are as follows:
Firstname.lastname@idahoreproductive.com
(not Integramed.com)
COVID-19 Webinar
WE HAVE EXCITING NEWS!!
Due to the uncertainty COVID 19 is causing in regards to surrogacy in the US, ICRM has prepared a webinar to cover main aspects and answer people’s questions in regards to this matter.
Panelists in this event will be Dr. Slater,M.D.,Dr. Maas, M.D., Amber Valdez,Founder of Abundant Life Surrogacy, Monica Cockerille, Attorney of Idaho Fertility Law, and Carrie Eichberg, Psy.D.
Whether gathering information, strongly considering, currently in, or having completed a surrogacy journey, we hope this webinar will be of interest, no matter where you are in the process!
The webinar will be May 17th @10am (Mountain Standard Time/MST).
UPDATE: While the webinar has ended, you can still view a recording of it at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/5934497869659603472
What is Surrogacy Like?
What is surrogacy like? Watch 2 families share their emotional journey:
After losing her second child, Kelsey was told not to get pregnant again. So she and her husband started the process of growing their family through gestational surrogacy. Meanwhile, Megan is done having her own children and hopes to help Kelsey become a mom once more. Follow the women and their families through the gestational surrogacy process as they try to make a baby. Check out this docuseries by Today that features a success story of ICRM! https://www.today.com/parents/what-surrogacy-2-families-share-their-emotional-journey-create-baby-t171886
Our Response to COVID-19
The Idaho Center for Reproductive Medicine (ICRM) is committed to providing exceptional and safe care to all of our patients. We are continually reviewing updates and requirements from our state and local governments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to recommendations from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). As information about COVID-19 develops, we expect changes to all of these recommendations and requirements.
As of Monday, May 18, 2020, we are proceeding with the following as we have resumed normal operation:
– Continuing to utilize telehealth procedures whenever possible, especially with new and follow-up patient consultations
– Re-initializing diagnostic testing and initiation of new treatment cycles (including IUI and IVF)
– Clinic hours of 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday
We are happy to be returning to usual operations and are doing so as safely as possible.
Please be aware that clinical operations are busy, and that there may be a slight delay in communication to or from ICRM staff members.
If you are coming to the clinic, please be aware that the following procedures are being done to keep you and our staff safe:
– Any children or people other than the patient having the appointment are not permitted to come into the office
– Frequent hand washing and sanitizing of all surfaces
– Mask wearing by all ICRM staff members
– Requirement for all patients to also wear face coverings
– Change in check-in process to text upon arrival and wait in your car until your provider is ready for you
– Screening ALL staff and patients for symptoms of illness and rescheduling appointments as necessary
The most current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) information can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Again, our mission is to serve our patients and staff as safely and effectively as we can. Please reach out to your treatment coordinator with any questions and for updates.
Stay healthy and safe!
-ICRM
Egg Donors Report Good Long-Term Physical Health Status
Here at ICRM, our egg donor program is internationally known and renowned. There are few, if any, long term studies reporting on egg donor health after donations. This small study is a great step to understanding long-term health effects that egg donation can have on the donor’s body.
To delve deeper into this study, please click here.
PBS to Air Documentary on Surrogacy: “Made in Boise”
Premiering at the Egyptian Theater in Boise on October 5, 2019, and on PBS stations on October 29, the documentary “Made in Boise” follows the surrogacy journeys of four surrogates as they give the priceless gift of carrying another’s child who cannot do it themselves. ICRM is proud to be briefly featured in the film! For more information on the documentary, please visit http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/films/made-in-boise/ .
Positive Trends in ART Practice Indicate Improved Outcomes for Mothers and Babies
The latest data from SART show that ART usage in the United States is increasing, while the multiple birth rate from ART cycles is decreasing. SART’s Preliminary Clinic Summary Report for 2016 consolidates data from 377 member clinics, performing 242,618 ART cycles, resulting in the births of 71,296 babies.
Positive trends in ART practice have resulted in improved outcomes for mothers and babies. The use of elective single embryo (eSET) transfer increased to 42.36% across all age groups in 2016 from 34.5% in 2015. In 2016, each patient age group showed both increased eSET use and a decrease in average numbers of embryos transferred per cycle from the previous year.
Fewer embryos per transfer led to a reduction in ART multiple births from 2015 to 2016. Of the babies born from 2016 cycles, 84% were singletons, 15.6% were twins, and 0.4% were triplets. These rates improve on 2015 rates, in which 80.5% babies were singletons, 19.1% twins, and 0.4% triplets.
While SART data show that ART is very effective, they also show that a female patient’s age is very important to predicting the ultimate success of a cycle in which she is using her own eggs. Final cumulative outcomes data for 2015 showed that women under age 35 had a 53.9% likelihood per cycle of having a live birth using autologous eggs; this dropped to 3.9% for women over 42. Recipient age was not relevant in donor egg cycles. The average chance of a live birth in any given fresh donor egg cycle was more than 50%, and more than 38% in a frozen donor egg cycle.
SART President, David Seifer, M.D., noted, “The yearly publication of the SART National and Clinic reports reflects our members’ commitment to providing the public with meaningful outcomes data. The improvement in outcomes reflects our members continued striving to provide the best care to their patients.”
For more information, visit www.sart.org.
New Clinic Location!
We are excited to announce that we moved our clinic and the new location is open and accepting new patients! As of January 2018, we are now located at 1000 E. Park Boulevard, Suite 110, Boise, Idaho 83712. Come say hello!
