IVF

Children born through in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) to lesbian mothers will have the same rights as those of heterosexual couples, under law changes announced by the NSW government.

Attorney-General John Hatzistergos said he had accepted NSW Law Reform recommendations extending "parental presumption" provisions to cover gay mums.

It was estimated 20 per cent of the state's female same-sex couples had children, Mr Hatzistergos said.

The change affects those born through IVF or artificial fertilisation only, by granting parenting rights and obligations to the non-biological mother.

A couple from rural North East England is celebrating the first birthdays of their quadruplets - born December 5, 2006.

The babies arrived prematurely - at 32 weeks - and two of them had to fight for their lives directly after birth. But all are healthy and happy one year later.

The couple has been in a relationship for more than decade.

The LA Times is reporting a new trend in parenting. Some women are hitting their mid-40's and suddenly feeling the desire to have a baby.

"Egg donation and fertility treatments make having children in your 40's more possible. But you start getting into progressive difficulties for mother and child," said Dr. Ingrid A. Rodi, a Santa Monica fertility specialist.

The former partner of a mother of a child born through donor insemination may have an obligation to pay child support.

According to a complaint - filed in Rockland County, N.Y. - by H.M., the parties lived as a couple for more than five years, beginning in August 1989. H.M. was a stay-at-home mother to E.T.'s children, while her partner completed chiropractic school. The plan was for H.M. to then go to school, and for the couple to have children.

Do you have a friend who's queasy about sperm and about to be inseminated? Give her some information about something with which she's going to become quite intimate. Are you a man who's interested in your - um - stuff? Order this book and get enlightened.

When the Dixie Chicks were abandoned by some in 2003 for Natalie Maines' comment about Bush's decision to start a war - one group remained particularly faithful fans of the trio.

Author Theresa Miller, explores IVF and other assisted-reproduction techniques happening in Australia in her new book, "Making Babies - personal IVF stories". She offers 14 personal accounts from single mothers, and couples - both gay and straight. Each person interviewed for the book has been affected by the possibilities that are offered by in vitro fertilization (IVF).