Understanding the Legal Side of Fertility: What Every Woman in Canada Should Know
When you’re navigating fertility treatments or exploring third-party options like surrogacy or donation, it’s easy to get lost in the details. There’s the medical side, the emotional side, the financial side, and yes, the legal side too.
This part of the journey can feel especially confusing, mostly because there’s so much misinformation online (and most of it isn’t even Canadian). That’s why I wanted to bring in Rachel West, a fertility lawyer and colleague based in Calgary, Alberta, to help clear the air about what legal support can actually look like.
Why Legal Support Matters
Many people don’t realize that working with a fertility lawyer isn’t just for those already deep in the process; it can be one of the first conversations you have when you start exploring your options.
As Rachel shared with me, “The earlier you speak with someone, the more clarity you’ll have about your options and rights.”
The goal isn’t to complicate things; it’s to make sure you’re informed, protected, and confident about each decision you make.
Common Myths & Misunderstandings
Here are a few misconceptions Rachel and I both hear all the time:
“You can’t have a surrogate in Canada.” (You can.)
“You have to try IVF first before exploring other paths.” (You don’t.)
“You need a medical reason to use a donor.” (Also not true.)
So much of this journey is about unlearning — especially the beliefs that add unnecessary pressure or shame.
What to Remember
Your fertility journey doesn’t have to be something you piece together from Google and guesswork. Compassionate professionals like myself and Rachel understand this landscape — legally, medically, and emotionally — and can help you make decisions from a place of calm and confidence.
If you’re exploring surrogacy, egg or sperm donation, or any third-party path to parenthood, consider adding a fertility lawyer to your team early on. And if you want someone to help you navigate how to move through all of this with emotional steadiness and clarity, that’s exactly what fertility coaching is for.
Explore Possibility: Let’s work together.
If you’re curious about holistic fertility coaching and how it can support you, I invite you to explore what’s possible through working together. Whether you’re seeking clarity, emotional balance, or a deeper sense of connection on your fertility journey, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Let’s explore what’s possible for you, together.
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Justine Lapointe is a Fertility Coach in Edmonton, Alberta, helping women experiencing infertility find clarity, balance, and hope on their conception journey. Offering holistic fertility coaching online and in-person across the Edmonton area.
