The Davis dilemma: how to prevent battles over frozen preembryos

Cryopreservation of preembryos, or the freezing of fertilized human eggs, is a procedure increasingly used by infertile couples to improve the odds of success of advanced reproductive technologies. As a consequence, divorcing couples are finding themselves in dispute over the disposition of frozen preembryos that have not been implanted. Courts have been called on to decide to whom the frozen preembryos should be awarded, but the law is unclear whether frozen preembryos should be treated as marital property, as children, or as something else. The author analyzes various arguments concerning the appropriate legal status of frozen preembryos, and suggests a new rule to settle such disputes.

Referring patients to organizations in which providers have an ownership interest: legal ramifications

Self-referral practices by providers have brought them under increasing criticism and legal actions by outside organizations. Nurses who refer patients should be aware of recent legal developments concerning self-referral practices.