NIU Law Alums at the Forefront of a Local High Profile Case

February 10, 2005

Northern Illinois University College of Law alumni Paul McMahon (’92) and Brian Schroeder (’92) are on opposite sides in a controversial wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Chicago couple Alison Miller and Todd Parrish. The couple filed the suit against the Center for Human Reproduction, a Chicago fertility clinic, after the mother’s fertilized egg was mistakenly discarded. 

Originally filed in 2002, the suit had been previously rejected by two Illinois judges.  However, on Friday, February 4, 2005, Cook County Judge Jeffrey Lawrence offered his ruling and an 11-page memorandum supporting the couple’s wrongful-death argument citing, "Philosophers and theologians may debate, but there is no doubt in the mind of the Illinois Legislature when life begins. It begins at conception."

The controversial ruling by Judge Lawrence has sparked national concern from doctors and operators of fertility clinics.  Although this case would have no legal standing outside Illinois, many feel that its implications are monumental and could have an effect on everything from in vitro fertilization to abortion.

Paul McMahon is with the law firm of Costello McMahon & Burke which represents Miller and Parish and Brian Schroeder is with the firm of Cassiday Schade & Gloor which represents the clinic.
 
 
For more information, contact:
Melody Mitchell
Director, Alumni Events & Public Relations
815/753-9655l