Fertile Ground by Rochelle Krich Page B

do it. It’s a complicated, controversial issue.” The Hoffmans, Lisa recalled, had discussed the possibility of multiples before Naomi conceived. A rabbinic authority had advised them
    that to save the remaining fetuses and protect the health of the mother, selective reduction was permissible, but should be done as early in the pregnancy as possible, preferably before the fetus was forty days old. The Hoffmans had decided against selective reduction and were thrilled when Lisa told them Naomi was carrying twins.
    “What happens to the fertilized eggs that aren’t implanted?”
    “They’re labeled and frozen in liquid nitrogen for later use, just as sperm are. Approximately seventy-five percent of thawed embryos survive intact.”
    “And the unfertilized eggs?” Gina asked, hunching forward. “The ones from donors, for instance? Are they frozen, too?”
    “They’re too fragile to withstand the freezing and thawing. Researchers are working on finding a solution.” Including Matthew. She thought again about the “data lies!?” he’d scribbled yesterday morning, and the “Notes” file.
    “Well.” Gina looked as if she’d swallowed sour milk. “I thought I’d have my eggs frozen now, while I’m relatively young. I read that a woman’s chances of conceiving drop significantly after she’s thirty-five. I guess that gives me one more year. huh? And all the good men are taken.”
    Lisa smiled reassuringly. “Those are just statistics, Gina. I wouldn’t panic.”
    “Off the record? You’re three years younger, and I assume from your engagement ring that you don’t need a sperm donor. But are you at all worried that you’ll have trouble getting pregnant?”
    Lisa glanced automatically at her ring and felt her chest tighten as she thought about Matthew. “I think every woman worries until she is pregnant. Off the record? Yes, I worry. But I know assisted reproduction provides me with numerous options.”
    “And if none of them work, that would make some ironic story, huh? “Fertility eludes infertility specialist.” “
    “Highly ironic.” The possibility had crossed her mind more than once.
    She and Matthew had talked about starting a family as soon as possible—at least three children, they’d agreed. As an only child himself, he’d understood the loneliness she’d felt growing up. Why can’t I have a brother or sister like everyone else? she’d often pleaded when she was a little girl, not realizing the pain her questions must have caused her parents.
    “Back to the eggs,” Gina said, turning another page of her notepad. “What happens if the patient decides she no longer wants them?”
    Lisa was relieved to switch to a less personal discussion. “It depends on what arrangements are made.”
    “And if there are no arrangements? If patients move and lose contact with the clinic? What happens then?”
    Lisa hesitated. “Generally, we dispose of them. That’s standard procedure in fertility clinics around the world.”
    “And the pro-lifers are unhappy about that, too, right? Another controversy?” Gina’s eyes gleamed with interest.
    Lisa wondered if the reporter was going to make these issues the focus of her piece. “There are numerous ethical questions regarding assisted reproduction. It’s a new field, and we’re encountering different issues as we discover new techniques. We don’t have all the answers yet.”
    “Why can’t you give the donor eggs to other patients? I mean, why chuck them when they could benefit someone else?”
    Was this a trick question? “Not without the donor’s written consent. That would be unethical, and illegal. California made it a felony to steal eggs.” Punishable by up to five years in prison and a fifty-thousand-dollar fine.
    “But it could happen accidentally?”
    From a desk drawer Lisa pulled out a blank form, then walked around the desk and sat next to the reporter.” “This is a lab form. Across the top we list the surgery date, the