An outstanding surrogacy lawyers conference: AAARTA in Charleston
Last week, through a gruelling schedule, I had the good fortune to be able to speak at and present at the conference of the prestigious American Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys (AAARTA) in Charleston, South Carolina. It was indeed a privilege as the only Aussie there to not only attend but be able to present to and network with many of the best and brightest lawyers in the world advising as to surrogacy.
The benefit I find in attending conferences such as this is that I always learn something new, which I am able to put into practice for the benefit of my clients- so that outcomes for my clients are quicker, cheaper and above all as stress free as possible.
The AAARTA conference was one filled to the brim with ideas, many of which I will implement over time. Brilliant!
As I have already blogged, I presented about what I call the 12 rules of international surrogacy.
The conference was an outstanding one. The starting point is that the conference was held in the beguiling city of Charleston. For those who follow my Facebook feed https://www.facebook.com/Stephen.Page.Lawyer.Brisbane, photos demonstrate some of the beauty of the city. It is a city that has survived slavery and three wars: the attempted invasion by the French and Spanish in 1712 (resulting in no Catholics being allowed to live there until after the American War of Independence), the successful siege of Charleston by the British in the War of Independence, and of course the place where the American Civil War started when South Carolina seceded, and Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbour was shelled.
The number of attendees was testimony in itself to the quality of the conference- under the head of Executive Director Judy Sperling-Newton, and run by a local committee: 265 lawyers from 10 countries.
Circle Surrogacy’s John Weltman with some of the locals
The quality of the conference was simply outstanding. The quality of the papers and presenters was extraordinary.
Conference venue, Hibernian Hall
With renowned family lawyer, and fellow presenter Richard Wilson
Louisa Ghevaert from England giving a comprehensive presentation as to the state of surrogacy law in Europe.
