“SOS Infertility” AssociationACTIVITY REPORT STATUTORY 2009

Asociaþia “SOS Infertilitatea”RAPORT DE ACTIVITATE 2009

I. Coordonate si prevederi statutare Dupa ce activat timp de cca. 18 luni in formula “grup de initiativa”, Asociatia “SOS Infertilitatea” a dobandit personalitate juridica la data de 19 octombrie 2009, prin hotararea Judecatoriei Sectorului 1, Bucuresti, fiind inregistrata in Registrul Asociatiilor si Fundatiilor cu nr. 110/27.10.2009. Asociatia poseda codul fiscal 26227202 si contul bancar IBAN: RO51RZBR00000600122 11872, deschis la Raiffeisen Bank, Agentia Unirea. Sediul Asociatiei este situat in Bucuresti, Calea Floreasca nr. 110, iar actiunile Asociatiei sunt mediatizate pe pagina web www.infertilitate.com. Conform statutului, scopul Asociatiei este acela de a desfasura actiuni de interes comunitar si de grup, menite sa contribuie la initierea unui cadru legislativ referitor la infertilitate si la reproducerea umana asistata medical, mediatizarea cauzei infertilitatii si aducerea acesteia pe agenda publica din Romania, obtinerea de sprijin in toate planurile, inclusiv financiar - din partea autoritatilor pentru cuplurile infertile, consilierea cuplurilor cu probleme de fertilitate, promovarea valorilor civice, ale principiilor familiei si ale statului de drept.

Scopul general al Asociatiei va putea fi atins prin realizarea urmatoarelor obiective: 1. Initierea si imbunatatirea cadrului legislativ referitor la infertilitate si tehnicile de reproducere umana asistata medical;

2. Mediatizarea cauzei infertilitatii si a problemelor generate de aceasta prin luari de atitudine la radio, TV, in presa scrisa si in media online, prin conferinte, interviuri, comunicate, participarea la intrevederi, intalniri, simpozioane etc.;

3. Obtinerea de fonduri pentru realizarea de proiecte in domeniul infertilitatii;

4. Asigurarea, in masura posibilitatilor, de consiliere psihologica si/ sau de specialitate cuplurilor care solicita sprijin;

5. Organizarea unor colaborari, parteneriate, schimburi de experienta, luari de atitudine comune cu organizatii (guvernamentale si non-guvernamentale) din tara si strainatate in domeniile de interes ale Asociatiei;

6. Obtinerea de fonduri alocate de catre stat sau de catre organisme private, pentru îndeplinirea obiectivelor prevazute in statut;

7. Desfasurarea de activitati economice direct sau crearea de societati comerciale în vederea obtinerii de fonduri necesare indeplinirii scopului Asociatiei;

8. Solicitarea, in condiiile legii si in raport cu nevoile concrete, de sprijin din partea autoritatilor administratiei publice in obtinerea de spatii pentru desfasurarea activitatilor;

9. Elaborarea in colaborare cu institutii, servicii, organizatii guvernamentale si non-guvernamentale de proiecte/ programe pentru:- combaterea / limitarea infertilitatii cuplurilor;- promovarea si respectarea drepturilor copilului si ale familiei;- pregatirea familiilor cu probleme de infertilitate pentru a deveni familii adoptive;- cresterea competentelor si abilitatilor parentale.

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I. Coordinates and Statutory Stipulations

After having worked for about 18 months under the name of “initiative group”, the “SOS Infertility” Association has gained legal personality since October 19, 2009, by ruling of Bucharest Sector 1 Court, being recorded in the Registry of Associations and Foundations at no. 110/27-10-2009. The Association has a fiscal code – 26227202 and an International Bank Account Number – IBAN RO51RZBR00000600122, at Raiffeisen Bank, Unirea Agency. The Association's office is situated in Bucharest, Calea Floreasca no. 110, and the actions of the association are advertised on www.infertilitate.com.According to its statute, the main purpose of the association is to carry out actions of communitarian and group interest, meant to contribute to the initiation of a legal framework regarding infertility and human assisted reproduction, advertising the matter of infertility and bringing it on the Romanian public agenda, general and financial support of the authorities for infertile couples, counseling of infertile couples, advocating civic values, family principles and of the rule of law.

The main target of the Association will be reached by accomplishing the following objectives:

1. Initiation and improvement of legal framework regarding infertility and human assisted reproduction;

2. Advertising the matter of infertility and the problems generated by it by taking action on radio, television, written media, online media, conferences, interviews, reports, meetings, symposia , etc;

3. Fund raising for projects in the field of infertility;

4. Assurance of psychological and/or special counseling for couples which demand support.

5. Organizing partnerships, cooperation, experience exchanges , taking stands which are similar to other organizations ( government and non-governmental organizations) in the country or abroad in the area of interest of the Association;

6. Gaining funds from state or private institutions in order to reach objectives stipulated in the statute.

7. Proceeding to direct economical activities or company foundation in view of fund raising to support the purpose of the association.

8. Authority support according to law and needs, in view of obtaining spaces for activities;

9. Project outlining in cooperation with institutions, governmental and non-profit organizations for:- controlling/limitation of couple infertility;- advertising and respecting the rights of child and family;- preparing families with fertility problems to become foster parents;- increasing competencies and parental abilities.

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II. Actiuni preliminare in plan politic si mediatic

1. In plan politic, principalele actiuni desfasurate de catre “SOS Infertilitatea” au fost urmatoarele: - corespondenta si intalniri directe repetate cu personalitatile politice care s-au aratat interesate de subiectul infertilitatii. Grupul de Initiativa “SOS Infertilitatea” a obtinut sprijin politic pentru cauza infertilitatii din partea urmatorilor parlamentari: Adrian Tutuianu, Alin Popoviciu, Anca Boagiu, Catalin Croitoru, Daniel Barbulescu, Daniel Geanta, Doina Silistru, Dumitru Oprea, Elena Mitrea, Ioan-Nelu Botis, Iulian Badescu, Iulian Urban, Luminita Iordache, Sever Voinescu, Sonia Draghici, Sulfina Barbu, Tudor Ciuhandru, Valeriu Alecu, Victor Boiangiu. - intalniri repetate si sprijin pentru cauza infertilitatii din partea dlui dr. Cristian Irimie, secretar de stat in Ministerul Sanatatii. - intalnire la Palatul Cotroceni cu dl. Consilier de Stat Bujor Bogdan Teodoriu, seful Departamentului de Politici Economice si Sociale al Administratiei Prezidentiale, si dl. Consilier prezidential dr. Virgil Paunescu, seful Departamentului de Sanatate Publica din cadrul aceleiasi institutii.- petitia colectiva (care in prezent numara peste 5.000 de semnaturi) a fost trimisa catre numeroase institutii nationale si internationale: Presedintiei Romaniei, dlui Presedinte Traian Basescu; Guvernului Romaniei, Dlui Prim Ministru Emil Boc; Secretariatului General al Guvernului; Compartimentului Social-Sanatate din cadrul Cancelariei Primului Ministru; Ministerului Sanatatii; Casei Nationale de Asigurari de Sanatate; Ministerului Muncii, Familiei si Protectiei Sociale; Ministerului Tineretului; comis i i lo r de spec ia l i ta te a le ce lor doua camere a le Par lamentu lu i .Detalii despre actiunile in plan politic, precum si link-uri catre declaratiile oamenilor politici referitor la subiect, se gasesc in articolele de pe pagina web ce mediatizeaza campania.

2. In plan mediatic, campania “Infertilitatea este o boala” s-a facut vazuta si auzita: - Radio-TV: emisiuni de impact (stiri, reportaje, talk-show, dezbateri, majoritatea laore de mare audienta) la ProTV, TVR1, Antena1, Antena3, RealitateaTV, Radio Romania Actualitati, Radio Bucuresti, Deutsche Welle, B1TV, EuropaFM, Radio France Internationale - RFI- Presa scrisa – articole in publicatii cotidiene si periodice, centrale si regionale, precum: Dilema Veche, Adevarul, Evenimentul Zilei, Curentul, Monitorul de Sibiu, Gazeta de Sud, Observator de Constanta, Foaia Transilvana, Monitorul de Suceava, Jurnalul National, Ziua, Revista Tabu, Viata Medicala - Online: realitatea.net, stirileprotv.ro, antena3.ro, europafm.ro, hotnews.ro, ziare.com, m e d i a f a x . r o , d e s p r e c o p i i . c o m , e v a . r o , a l l p r e s s . r o , b a b y o n l i n e . r o , a t i t u d i n e a . r o , s a n a t a t e a t v. r o , i n f o - s a na t a t e . r o , me d i c a lmanage r. r o , informatiamedicala.ro, sfatulmedicului .ro, newsreport.ro, topsanatate.ro, superbebe.ro, infopro.ro, gandul.ro, romanialibera.ro. O lista completa cu mediatizarea campaniei, pe categorii (TV, radio, presa scrisa, online), cu linkuri catre continuturile interventiilor media, se gaseste pe pagina noastra web, rubrica “blogroll”. Campania “Inferti l itatea este o boala” a primit premiul special pentru responsabilitate sociala in sanatate in cadrul Galei Premiile “Carol Davila” 2009. Blogul ce mediatizeaza campania a avut in mai putin de un an de existenta peste 35 de pagini cu articole, sute de comentarii si peste 100.000 de cititori. Pagina noastra web s-a numarat printre castigatorii RoBlogFest 2009, categoriile “cel mai bun blog colectiv” si “cel mai popular blog”, si s-a calificat in finala categoriei “Company & Brand Blogs” a Webstock Awards 2009.

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II. Preliminary actions at political and media level

1. At political level, the main actions carried out by the “SOS Infertility” initiative group within the first year of existence have been:- correspondence and meetings on regular basis with political figures who showed interest in the subject of infertility. The “SOS Infertility” initiative group has gained political support on the cause of infertility from the following MPs: Adrian Tutuianu, Alin Popoviciu, Anca Boagiu, Catalin Croitoru, Daniel Barbulescu, Daniel Geanta, Doina Silistru, Dumitru Oprea, Elena Mitrea, Ioan-Nelu Botis, Iulian Badescu, Iulian Urban,Luminita Iordache, Sever Voinescu, Sonia Draghici, Sulfina Barbu, Tudor Ciuhodaru, Valeriu Alecu, Victor Boiangiu;- meetings on regular basis and support on the cause of infertility from dr. Cristian Irimie, State Secretary, Ministry of Health;- meeting at the Cotroceni Palace with State Counselor of the Presidential Administration Bogdan Teodoriu Bujor, Head of Department for Social and Economic Policies and Presidential Advisor, and dr. Virgil Paunescu, Head of Department for Public Health within the same institution;- the collective petition (which had acquired over 5.000 signatures by October 2009) has been sent to numerous national and international institutions: Romanian Presidency, Mr. Traian Basescu; Romanian Government, Prime Minister Emil Boc; General Secretariat of the Government; The Health and Social Compartment of the Prime Minister Chancellery; Ministry of Health, The National House for Health Insurance, Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Protection, Ministry of Youth and to the specialized commissions of the two chambers of the Parliament.

2. As for the media actions, the “Infertility is a medical condition” campaign has made itself seen, read and heard:- on radio and television: impact shows (news, reportages, talk shows, debates, most of them on prime time) on ProTv, Tvr1, Antena1, Antena3, Realitatea TV, Radio Romania Actualitati, Deutsche Welle, B1TV, Europa FM, Radio France Internationale – RFI etc.- on written media – articles in newspapers and periodicals, central or regional such as: Dilema Veche, Adevarul, Evenimentul Zilei, Curentul, Monitorul de Sibiu, Gazeta de Sud, Observator de Constanta, Foaia Transilvana, Monitorul de Suceava, Jurnalul National, Ziua, Viata Medicala, revista Tabu, Viata Medicala, etc.- Online: realitatea.net, stirileprotv.ro, antena3.ro, europafm.ro, hotnews.ro, ziare.com, mediafax.ro, desprecopii.com, eva.ro, allpress.ro, babyonline.ro, atitudinea.ro, sanatateatv.ro, info-sanatate.ro, medicalmanager.ro, informatiamedicala.ro, sfatulmedicului.ro, newsreport.ro, severpress.ro, topsanatate.ro, superbebe.ro, infopro.ro, gandul.ro, romanialibera.ro etc.A complete list of the media actions of this campaign, on categories (TV, radio, written media, online), with links towards these interventions can be accessed on our website, on “blogroll” rubric.The “Infertility is a medical condition” campaign has been awarded the special prize for social responsibility concerning health within the Carol Davila Awards, 2009. The blog that mediates this campaign has had, in less than a year, more that 35 pages of articles, hundreds of commentaries and over 100.000 viewers. Our website has been one of the winners of Roblogfest 2009, in the “Best Collective Blog” category and “The Most Popular Blog” and was one of the finalists of Webstock Awards 2009 (in the “Company and Brand Blogs” category).

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III. Actiuni recente ale Asociatiei “SOS Infertilitatea” In cele doua luni si jumatate de existenta oficiala (19 octombrie2009 – 31 decembrie 2009), Asociatia “SOS Infertilitatea” a desfasurat – in conditiile existentei unui buget minimal, constituit exclusiv din donatiile membrilor fondatori – actiuni de un puternic impact, pe care le sintetizam in acest raport de activitate.

1. Constituirea legala a Asociatiei a coincis cu un moment fara precedent in istoria reproducerii umane asistate medial in Romania: in octombrie 2009, Ministerul Sanatatii Publice emite un ordin prin care inseminarea artificiala si fertilizarea in vitro nu mai pot fi efectuate in Romania de catre clinicile, publice sau private, care se autofinanteaza. Asociatia “SOS Infertilitatea” reactioneaza foarte prompt (la doar cateva ore de la publicarea existentei ordinului), emite un comunicat de presa si protesteaza oficial pe langa Ministerul Sanatatii cerand anularea in regim de urgenta a acestui ordin aberant. Comunicatul de presa emis de catre Asociatia “SOS Infertilitatea” este preluat masiv de catre presa din Romania, ceea ce a adus problema infertilitatii in prim-planul atentiei publice. Pe langa numeroasele aparitii in presa scrisa si online (linkuri catre acestea exista pe pagina noastra web), reprezentantii Asociatiei “SOS Infertilitatea” au oferit intreviuri audio-video, Asociatia fiind mediatizata in jurnalele de stiri ale Radio Romania Actualitati, Radio France Internationale, Antena 3, Antena 1, Televiziunea Romana si ProTV, in prime-time (inregistrarile sunt disponibile pe pagina web). Ministerul Sanatatii anunta public ca ordinul este o eroare si ca procedurile de reproducere umana asistata medical pot continua ca si pana atunci.

2. Drept consecinta a tumultului mediatic si a protestelor oficiale, dupa cateva zile Serviciul de Presa al Ministerului Sanatatii da publicitatii un comunicat de presa prin care anunta initierea unui program pilot ce are drept scop sustinerea, de la bugetul de stat, a costurilor necesare procedurilor de fertilizare in vitro pentru 250 de tinere cupluri infertile in anul 2010.Prof. Dr. Adrian Streinu–Cercel, secretar de stat în Ministerul Sanatatii, declara: “Este timpul ca infertilitatea sa fie recunoscuta de catre autoritati ca o problema medicala ce produce suferinta si care necesita compensare. Este corect ca si pacientii romani sa aiba acces gratuit la tratamente medicale dovedite utile. Am avut astazi o întalnire cu reprezentantii Comisiei de obstetrica –ginecologie a Ministerului Sanatatii si am decis ca este necesar ca de anul viitor programele nationale ale Ministerului Sanatatii sa cuprinda si o initiativa pentru a ajuta tinerele cupluri”. Conform precizarilor preliminare ale Ministerului Sanatatii, in programul pilot vor fi incluse, în principal, cupluri cu varsta cuprinsa între 25 si 40 de ani, urmand ca, ulterior, membrii Comisiei de Obstetrica Ginecologie a Ministerului Sanatatii sa stabileasca si alte criterii. Conform initiativei, Ministerul Sanatatii va sustine financiar prima procedura de fertilizare in vitro. In cazul în care este nevoie ca aceasta sa fie repetata, urmatoarele costuri financiare vor fi suportate de cupluri. Bugetul noului program este estimat la aproximativ 500 000 de euro anual..In consecinta, Asociatia „SOS Infertilitatea” da publicitatii un nou comunicat de presa, in care precizeaza: „In ceea ce priveste actuala decizie a Ministerului Sanatatii de a sustine financiar o tentativa de fertilizare in vitro, aceasta este salutara, ca principiu. Ceea ce ne ridica insa probleme este cifra avansata – “250 de cupluri, cu varsta intre 25 si 40 de ani”. Desi intelege restrictiile bugetare inerente, Asociatia “SOS Infertilitatea” considera aceasta cifra aleatorie si discriminatorie. In conditiile in care toti membrii cuplurilor infertile sunt contribuitori la sistemul de asigurari de sanatate, din punctul

(19 oct 2009 – 31 dec 2009)

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III. Recent actions of “SOS Infertility” Association (Oct 19, 2009-Dec 31, 2009)

Within the two and a half months of legal existence, the “SOS Infertility” Association has developed – under a minimal budget obtained from donations of members - actions of a strong impact, which we summarize in this activity report.

1. The legal constitution of “SOS Infertility” Association coincided with an unprecedented moment in the history of human assisted reproduction in Romania: In October 2009, The Ministry of Public Health issues an order by which IVF treatments are forbidden in self-financing private or public clinics. The “SOS Infertility” Association reacts promptly (just a couple of hours since the publication of the order), gives a press release and officially protests against the Ministry of Health demanding urgent cancelation of this anomalous order. The press release issued by the “SOS Infertility” Association is largely taken over by the Romanian media, which brings the subject of infertility on the foreground of the public eye. Among numerous publications in the written and online media ( links are provided on our website), the representatives of the “SOS Infertility” Association, have given audio-video interviews, the association being advertised by means of radio and television news such as : Radio Romania Actualitati, Radio France Internationale, Antena 3, Antena 1, Televiziunea Romana and Pro TV, in prime time ( recordings are available on our website). The Minister of Health announces publicly that the order is a complete error and that the human assisted reproduction procedures may continue as earlier.

2. As a consequence of the media turmoil and official protests, after a few days the Press Department of the Ministry of Health issues a press release by which it announces the initiation of a pilot program that has as purpose the state support of the necessary costs for IVF procedures for a total of 250 young, infertile couples, in 2010.Prof Dr. Adrian Streinu-Cercel, State Secretary in the Ministry of Health states: “It is time infertility was admitted by the authorities as a medical condition that causes pain and requires compensation. Romanian patients should also have free access to medical treatments that have proved effective. Today, we had a meeting with the representatives of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Committee within the Ministry of Health and we decided it is necessary that future national programs of the Ministry of Health, should include a plan to help young couples”.According to preliminary declarations of the Ministry of Health, the pilot program will mainly include, couples aged 25 to 40, waiting for other criteria to be established by the members of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Committee. According to the initiative, the Ministry of Health will financially support the first IVF procedure. If the procedure needs repeating, the costs will be paid by the couples. The budget of the new program is estimated to € 500 000 annually. As a result, the “SOS Infertility” Association sends a new press release in which it states: “Regarding the new decision of the Ministry of Health to financially support an IVF attempt, this is salutary. However, what raises a question is the number – “250 couples, aged 25 to 40”. Although the Association understands the budgetary restrictions, it considers the number discriminatory and arbitrary. Knowing that all the members of the infertile couples are contributors to the health insurance system,

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nostru de vedere sunt foarte greu de gasit criteriile care sa nu transforme aceasta limitare la 250 de cupluri intr-o masura discriminatorie, ce incalca principiul de acces egal la tratament medical pentru cetatenii Romaniei. “SOS Infertilitatea” asteapta cu interes ansamblul criteriilor ce vor fi stabilite de cate Comisia de Obstetrica-Ginecologie a Ministerului Sanatatii pentru finantarea fertilizarii in vitro si va reactiona ulterior, ca atare.”

3. Totodata, Ministerul Sanatatii anunta initierea proiectului de Lege privind Reproducerea Umana Asistata si Embriologia, creat „ca urmare a unei reale îngrijorari publice cu privire la implicatiile pe care noile tehnologii de reproducere asistata ar putea sa le aiba asupra perceptiei si valorificarii vietii umane si a relatiilor de familie.” In perioada in care acest proiect de lege s-a aflat, conform legii, in dezbatere publica, „SOS Infertilitatea”, dupa lecturi atente si consultari cu juristii sai, a reactionat oficial, trimitand Ministerului Sanatatii observatii referitore la fondul si la forma acestui proiect de lege (material existent pe pagina noastra web). Aceste noi actiuni determina un nou val de mediatizare, dintre care mentionam un interviu de 15 minute la Radio Bucuresti, stiri in jurnalele de stiri tv ale Antena 1 si ProTV, in prime time cu reprezentantii Asociatiei (inregistrarile sunt disponibile pe pagina web), precum si o pagina dedicata cauzei infertilitatii de catre revista “Dilema Veche”.

4. Pe data de 27 noiembrie 2009 au avut loc la nivel national actiuni in cadrul Zilei Nationale a Luptei cu Infertilitatea - in care medici, pacienti si presa s-au reunit pentru a aborda un subiect existent dintotdeauna, dar care pana de curand insuficient mediatizat in Romania: infertilitatea.Manifestarea a fost organizata de catre Asociatia Embriologilor AER (presedinte dr. Diana Cocei, presedinte de onoare prof. dr. Bogdan Marinescu) in colaborare cu medici din orasele Bucuresti, Iasi, Timisoara, Brasov, Constanta si Craiova. Asociatia “SOS Infertilitatea” s-a mobilizat si a participat la actiunile din Craiova, Brasov, Iasi si Bucuresti. La nivel logistic, s-au tiparit mape personalizate, pliante de prezentare a activitatilor Asociatiei, CD-uri pentru furnizarea de continut multimedia, carti de vizita – plata acestor materiale fiind asigurata din donatiile membrilor fondatori ce au constituit patrimoniul initial al Asociatiei. In urma participarii la Ziua Nationala a Luptei cu Infertilitatea, reprezentantii Asociatiei “SOS Infertilitatea” apar, din nou, in jurnalele de stiri ale Antena 1 si TVR, in prime time (inregistrarile sunt disponibile pe pagina web).

5. In saptamana de dinaintea turului final al alegerilor prezidentiale din Romania, Asociatia “SOS Infertilitatea” a adresat, via Institutul pentru Politici Publice (IPP), organizatorul dezbaterii prezidentiabililor, o intrebare celor doi candidati ramasi in cursa pentru obtinerea functiei de Presedinte al Romaniei, d-nii Mircea Geoana si Traian Basescu: “Romania se confrunta cu o grava criza demografica. Exista previziuni conform carora, daca se pastreaza nivelul actual al ratei fertilitatii totale, atunci Romania va avea circa 16,7 milioane de locuitori în anul 2050 si doar circa 11,9 milioane de locuitori în anul 2075. In acelasi timp, statisticile Organizatiei Mondiale a Sanatatii arata ca in plan european cca. 15% din cuplurile de varsta reproductiva se confrunta cu probleme de fertilitate, nu reusesc sa obtina sau sa pastreze o sarcina. In toate tarile Uniunii Europene exista politici publice coerente de incurajare a natalitatii si prin sprijinirea cuplurilor infertile – in Romania nu. Ce veti face, in calitate de viitor presedinte al Romaniei, pentru acest segment important din populatie (un cuplu din sase), cum veti sprijini cuplurile infertile in lupta lor pentru a avea un copil?”

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in our view, it is very difficult to find criteria which will not transform this restriction to 250 couples into a discriminatory measure, which violates the principle of equal access to medical treatment for Romanian citizens. The “SOS Infertility” Association is looking forward to the criteria which will be drawn up by the Obstetrics and Gynecology Committee of the Ministry of Health, for IVF financing and there will be reactions as such.

3. Consequently, the Ministry of Health announces the initiation of a law project in relation to Human Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, established “as a result of a real public concern regarding the implications that the new technologies of assisted reproduction might have on public awareness and valuation of human existence and family relationships.” During the public debate of this law project, the “SOS Infertility” Association, after careful lecturing and legal counseling, reacted officially, sending to the Ministry of Health, notices about the substance and form of this law project ( this material has already been posted on our website).These new actions cause a new media storm, of which we can mention a fifteen minute interview on Radio Bucharest, news reports of Antena 1 and ProTV, on prime time, with the representatives of the Association (recordings are available on our website), as well as a full page dedicated to the subject of infertility by the “Dilema Veche” magazine.

4. On October 27, 2009 actions at national level took place on the National Infertility Day – during which, doctors, patients and journalists gathered together to speak about an ever existing problem, which had not been sufficiently publicized in Romania: infertility.This event was organized by the Association of Embryologists AER (chairwoman dr. Diana Cocei, Honorary Chairman prof. dr. Bogdan Marinescu) in cooperation with doctors in cities like Bucharest, Iasi, Timisoara, Brasov, Constanta and Craiova. The“SOS Infertility” Association gathered together and took part in actions in Craiova, Brasov, Iasi and Bucharest. In terms of logistics, personalized portfolios have been printed, brochures of the activities, CDs with informative content, business cards – the expenses being secured from donations of the founding members that constituted the first patrimony of the Association.Following the Infertility National Day, the representatives of the “SOS Infertility” Association are present again in the news reports of Antena 1, and TVR, and on prime time (recordings are available on the website)..

5. The week before the final tour of presidential elections in Romania, the “SOS Infertility” Association addressed a question via the Institute of Public Policies (IPP), the organizer of the candidates' debate, to the two candidates who were running for presidency, Mr. Mircea Geoana and Traian Basescu: “Romania is facing a serious demographic crisis. There are predictions according to which, if the actual fertility level is preserved, Romania will reach 16,7 million inhabitants in 2050 and 11,9 million inhabitants in 2070. At the same time, statistics of the World Health Organization show that at European level about 15% of the couples of reproductive age are facing fertility problems, they cannot obtain or maintain pregnancy. In all European Union countries there are consistent public policies which encourage the birth rate by supporting infertile couples – in Romania there aren't any. What are you going to do, as future president of Romania, for this population segment (one couple out of six), how will you support infertile couples in their fight to have a child?”

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Intrebarea nu a avut sansa de a face parte din cele trei intrebari extrase prin tragere la sorti carora li s-au oferit raspunsuri de catre prezidentiabili, dar staff-urile de campanie ale acestora au pregatit raspunsuri la aceasta intrebare, deci Asociatia “SOS Infertilitatea” a adus problema pe agenda politica, la cel mai inalt nivel.

6. In decembrie 2009, Asociatia “SOS Infertilitatea” a semnat primul sau contract oficial, cu Sanatatea Media Group, devenind partener la Conferinta Nationala a Pacientilor, eveniment de impact ce se va desfasura la Bucuresti in perioada 11-13 martie 2010. De asemenea, pe 3 decembrie 2009, Asociatia “SOS Infertilitatea” a participat la Gala Sanatatii, organizata de Sanatatea TV.

7. Pe langa aceste activitati de tip “eveniment”, “front office”, Asociatia “SOS Infertilitatea” a continuat activitatea administrativa, de tip “back office”, mai putin vizibila, dar nu mai putin importanta: definitivarea procesului de constituire a Asociatiei (obtinere cod fiscal, inregistrare in Registrul Asociatiilor si Fundatiilor, deschidere cont bancar, confectionare stampile, sedinte in vederea distribuirii responsabilitatilor, gerarea adeziunilor si implicarea noilor membri etc.), actualizarea paginii web, animare a minicomunitatii de pe forum, oferirea de consultanta pe mail persoanelor afectate de infertilitate, actualizarea bazelor de date, mentinerea contactelor cu partenerii, inscrierea la noi evenimente etc. Astfel, mentionam un proiect inceput in 2009 si care va continua in 2010: Asociatia “SOS Infertilitatea” a postulat si a fost invitata oficial sa devina membru in prestigioasa “Fertility Europe”, cea mai puternica asociatie paneuropeana a pacientilor afectati de infertilitate.

Asociatia “SOS Infertilitatea” va continua sa militeze pentru obtinerea sprijinului statului roman pentru cuplurile cu probleme de fertilitate si pentru finantarea de catreasigurarile de sanatate a tratamentelor infertilitatii, asa cum este normal si cum se intampla in Uniunea Europeana.

Asociatia “SOS Infertilitatea”, 31 decembrie 2009

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The question did not have the chance to be part of the three questions randomly extracted to which the candidates answered, but the campaign staff of the two, prepared answers to this question, thus, the “SOS Infertility” Association brought the problem on the political agenda at the highest level..

6. In December, 2009, the “SOS Infertility” Association signed its first official contract with Health Media Group, becoming partner at the National Conference of Patients, event of great impact which will take place in Bucharest between 11-13 March, 2010. At the same time, on December 3, 2009, the “SOS Infertility” Association took part in the Health Gala organized by Sanatatea TV.

7. In addition to these event- like activities, “front office”, the “SOS Infertility” Association has continued the administrative activity, its “back office” activity, less visible, but not of minor importance: the finalization of the constitutive process of the association (getting a fiscal code, registration with the Registry of Associations and Foundations, opening a bank account, stamps, meetings in view of allocating responsibilities, generating adhesions and involving new members, etc.), updating the website, maintaining the micro community on the forum, offering counseling via email to people suffering from infertility , updating databases, maintaining contacts with partners , joining new events. Thus, we are referring to a project begun in 2009 which will continue in 2010: The “SOS Infertility” Association has put forward and has been officially invited to become a member of the prestigious “Fertility Europe”, the strongest Pan-European association of patients fighting infertility.

The “SOS Infertility” Association will continue millitating in order to obtain support from Romanian state for couples facing fertility problems and finance for the fertility treatments by the National Health Insurance Agency, as it is normal and as it happens all over the European Union.

The “SOS Infertility” Association, December 31, 2009

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Asociaþia SOS Infertilitatea º

www.infertilitate.comcontact@infertilitate.com

0742.807.783 / 0721.201.555

Calea Floreasca, nr.110, sector 1, Bucure ti