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PFC Reaches out to the LGBT Community

In constructing the strategic goals for 2012, the PFC MDs voiced a deep commitment to widen their reach to the LGBT audience. The objectives were two pronged: first, to educate the LGBT community about available fertility resources, and second, to provide the tools to manage the issues and perceived obstacles that accompany this important, life changing decision.

A major part of this initiative became our relationship and engagement with SWIRL Radio. SWIRL Radio is a commercial AM radio station for the LGBT community and supporters. Listeners tune in to hear relevant interviews, guest hosts, news segments, and important current event information. When PFC partnered with SWIRL, we shared a vision of reaching out to the LGBT community to help listeners navigate the maze of alternative ways to build a family.

Each quarter, a PFC MD is interviewed by SWIRL to provide information about fertility options. The first radio interview was with Dr. Eldon Schriock. He discussed the options for lesbian women who are trying to build a family. The second radio interview discussed the options for gay men who want to build a family. In addition to the educational interviews, PFC and SWIRL Radio host a quarterly educational resource seminar.

The first fertility seminar for women of the LGBT community was called How to Make a Baby: The Needed Ingredients from a Medical, Legal and Psycho-Social Perspective. The panel was held on site in PFC’s Education Center. It provided medical, legal, and psycho-social information. Michele, the host of SWIRL Radio emceed the event. Dr. Isabelle Ryan, Co-Medical Director at PFC presented the medical component, Deborah Wald, Esquire, an expert in Assisted Reproduction Law, presented the legal component, and Peggy Orlin, MFT, counselor at PFC, presented the psycho-social component. Additionally, a representative from Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner’s office presented and a staff attorney from the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) presented.

Our next seminar in February is called It Takes Three to Tango: A Seminar for Gay Couples and Future Dads. PFC will host the event in the same panel format, with special guest, Bevan Dufty from Mayor Lee’s office and HOPE - Housing Opportunity, Partnerships and Engagement.

To summarize in the words of our own Dr. Schriock in his SWIRL radio interview, “Make sure you find a place that can give you, before you jump in, some financial support and emotional support, so that you can really go into this with some good information to make decisions.” He speaks on behalf of all of us here at PFC when he says, “I feel blessed to be in San Francisco and to be a part of helping build a lot more families.”

- Renee Scudder, Senior Director of Business Development

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