The American Fertility Association Presents a Webcast for Healthcare Professionals on HIV and Fertility

NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

When:  November 3rd, 2014, 11:00 a.m. – Noon EST

What:  A panel discussion highlighting medical advances that allow HIV-positive individuals to have genetically-linked children without passing along the HIV virus.  The webcast is part of The American Fertility Association's (The AFA) "Dreams to Reality" HIV and Parenthood Initiative, a three-pronged campaign promoting patient education, training for healthcare professionals, and support of community organizations. The initiative is funded by a generous grant from the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), with additional support from HIV Assisted Reproductive Technologies (HART) and EMD Serono.

Who:  The panel will be moderated by Guy Ringler, MD, co-owner of California Fertility Partners in Los Angeles, California, and Medical Advisor to The AFA's program. Dr. Ringler is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist with over twenty-five years of clinical experience. He is internationally known for his expertise in vitro fertilization (IVF) and third-party reproduction, and helps couples affected by HIV conceive genetically-linked children.

Three of the top scientists working in the field of HIV and fertility will join Dr. Ringler for the panel discussion: W. David Hardy, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA; Ann Kiessling, PhD, Director, Bedford Stem Cell Research Foundation; Kathleen Squires, MD, Professor of Medicine & Director, Division of Infectious Diseases, Jefferson Medical College.

Discussion topics will include the treatment options for serodiscordant couples:  PrEP with timed intercourse, PrEP with IUI, semen testing for HIV, and IUI versus IVF. The cost and availability of the various treatment options will also be presented.

How:  Those wishing to attend the webcast can find the link at:

https://merckgroup-event.webex.com/merckgroup-event/onstage/g.php?d=703152354&t=a

About:   While the HIV epidemic is still widespread, significant advancements in the treatment of HIV infection allow persons with HIV today to live long, healthy, productive lives. Previously, HIV-positive couples had adoption, foster care or in vitro fertilization with third-party eggs and/or sperm as options for achieving parenthood. However, many men and women longed to have genetically-linked children but did not try, for fear of transmitting HIV to the child.

"The ability to have one's own children without the fear of transmitting the HIV virus is a profound advancement in family-building options for men and women living with the virus," said Dr. Ringler. "It is essential for patients with HIV and their healthcare providers to be informed about the fertility treatment options available that can help them have children safely, with minimal risk of transmitting the HIV virus to their sexual partners, reproductive partners, or babies."

"The AFA is an ongoing resource for healthcare professionals wishing to stay informed about family-building issues," said Ken Mosesian, Executive Director of The American Fertility Association. "Providing this education for the fertility, women's health and HIV medical communities is the logical next step in our education and outreach program."

About The American Fertility Association:

The American Fertility Association (The AFA) is an inclusive organization committed to helping people create their unique path to parenthood by providing leading-edge outreach programs and timely educational information. The scope of our work encompasses reproductive and sexual health, infertility prevention and treatment, and family-building options including adoption and third-party solutions. We believe that everyone – regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or HIV status – should be able to have a family, and we offer support for all hopeful parents. www.theafa.org

About the Elton John AIDS Foundation:

At the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), we believe that AIDS can be beaten.  We act on that belief by raising funds for effective programs and policies, and also by speaking out with honesty and compassion about the realities of people's lives. Sir Elton John created EJAF over twenty years ago, first in the United States in 1992 and then in the United Kingdom in 1993.  The two foundations together have raised more than $300 million over the past two decades to combat stigma, prevent infections, provide treatment and services, and motivate governments to end AIDS.  For more information, please visit www.ejaf.org.

Contact:   
Meredith Carr 
615-400-5052 
Email

Corey Whelan 
718-853-1411 
Email

SOURCE American Fertility Association

Related Links

http://www.theafa.org