Join us as we explore Janene Oleaga’s work as a family formation attorney and reproductive rights advocate. Janene's deeply held belief that everyone deserves a family is reflected in her commitment to guiding families through various family building pathways such as adoption, surrogacy, and more. Throughout the episode, Janene's passion for advocacy shines as she discusses her role in shaping positive changes in Maine's laws, illustrating how grassroots efforts can lead to significant shifts in societal attitudes towards family building. With a focus on community and support, Janene emphasizes the importance of finding a support system while navigating the complexities of family building. This heartfelt conversation highlights not only personal stories of resilience, but also the collective efforts to ensure that all families, regardless of their paths, are recognized and protected.
Janene Oleaga, Esq. (she/her) is a fertility lawyer and reproductive rights advocate assisting individuals and couples pursuing reproductive arrangements including surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation, embryo donation, embryo disposition, pre-birth and post-birth judgments of parentage, and adoption matters including confirmatory adoption and step parent or second parent adoptions. Janene founded Oleaga Law LLC from the premise that all individuals have the right to a family regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or relationship status. Janene, a board member of AllPaths Family Building and the BIVF Foundation, was awarded 40 Under 40 by Maine Business Journal in recognition of her reproductive rights advocacy efforts in Maine. She has been a legal resource to Out magazine, The Today Show, SHAPE, Above the Law, Good Housekeeping, Refinery29, and more. Janene is also a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Legal Professional Group, the ABA Assisted Reproduction and Adoption Committee, National LGBTQ Bar Association, Men Having Babies, and more.Janene is licensed in Maine, New York, and New Hampshire, with experience representing clients for intrastate arrangements, interstate arrangements, and international arrangements.
LINKS:
Janene’s practice Oleaga Law LLC www.mainereproductionlawyer.com/
Learn more about ASRM/RESOLVE Advocacy Day 2025: resolve.org/events/advocacy-day/
Shop AllPaths gear w/Overseasoned Amy: bit.ly/restore_reproductive_liberty_collection
Portland Press Herald Op Ed, Nov. 1, 2023: www.pressherald.com/2023/11/01/maine-voices-we-love-our-children-but-we-love-our-guns-more/
TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:
family formation attorney, family formation law, Maine, New York, reproductive rights advocacy, family building, fertility journey, infertility, assisted reproduction, egg donation, sperm donation, embryo donation, genetic material, surrogacy, LGBTQ+ family formation, LGBTQ+ family planning, adoption, legal parentage, confirmatory adoption, GLAD Law, fertility insurance, ASRM, RESOLVE, Advocacy Day, federal advocacy, state advocacy, Overseasoned Amy, Matriarch, Maine Biz 40 under 40, personhood, parental rights, estate planning, marriage equality, fertility legislation, inclusive family law, navigating infertility, personal stories of fertility, community support for family building, obstacles in family planning
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