In this episode, we speak with Becca Levin Nayak, an attorney specializing in adoption and assisted reproduction in Pennsylvania. Becca shares her own family building journey, begun with her ex-wife, where the couple navigated donor conception. The process of choosing a sperm donor was overwhelming, which Becca likened to selecting a partner on a dating app. Despite the challenges, Becca’s first attempt at IUI resulted in a successful pregnancy, leading to the birth of her son. However, her path was not without heartbreak, as she faced miscarriages and the dissolution of her marriage, which prompted her to consider single parenthood. This journey took an unexpected turn when she met her current wife, who had two children from a previous co-parenting arrangement. The creation of their blended family is a beautiful illustration of the fact that genetic ties are not what make a family.
The conversation then pivots to Becca’s professional career, which was initially driven by her commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy following decisions like Lawrence v. Texas. She discusses the evolving legal landscape for LGBTQ+ families, her shift to focusing on assisted reproduction and adoption law, and the importance of securing parental rights for non-biological or genetic parents. Currently, Becca is an active advocate for the Pennsylvania Uniform Parentage Act (House Bill 350), which will modernize and clarify parentage law in the state to recognize diverse family structures and protect the rights of all parent/child relationships, regardless of how their families are built.
Rebecca Levin Nayak is a shareholder at Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller, where she practices assisted reproduction and adoption law. She is passionate about helping families of all kinds secure their legal relationships, with a particular focus on ensuring equality for LGBTQ+ parents. Rebecca is actively involved in professional and community organizations. She co-chairs the Parentage Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association where she has been at the forefront of efforts to advance parentage legislation in Pennsylvania. Rebecca also serves as a board member for Philadelphia Family Pride. In 2024, Rebecca served as Chair of Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association. Rebecca earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from American University Washington College of Law in 2008, a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs in 2004, and a Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University in 2002.
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