A Fullerton woman is in jail after being charged with stealing more than $236,000 from her employer and paying for travel, an engagement ring and fertility treatments for her partner.

Ligia Baciu, 35, has been charged with 24 felony counts related to the alleged fraud, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said Wednesday.

Baciu worked from 2005 to 2009 in the accounting department of Sweet Life Enterprises, a subsidiary of Brea-based Fresh Start Bakeries, Inc., where she was in charge of company credit card accounts, authorities said.

Baciu is accused of stealing from the company by charging unauthorized personal expenses to her corporate credit card. She’s also accusedof ordering additional company credit and gas cards in her own name with various account numbers, the DA’s office said.

She allegedly used the cards to pay for bills, groceries, restaurant meals, airline and hotel fare, clothing, and a down-payment on an Audi. She allegedly continued to use the cards for several months after she was no longer employed by the bakery company, the District Attorney’s Office said.

Baciu allegedly attempted to conceal the theft, which included payments for an engagement ring and fertility treatments, by altering company records to show that the items have been bought by other workers.

The theft was discovered in January 2010, and the Brea Police Department investigated. Baciu was arrested Wednesday and is expected to be arraigned Thursday morning in Santa Ana.

Baciu faces 21 felony counts of computer access and fraud and three felony counts of fraudulently using access cards. She additionally faces sentencing enhancement allegations for loss over $100,000, aggravated white collar crime over $100,000, and property loss over $200,000.

If convicted, Baciu faces up to 20 years and four months in state prison. She is being held on $250,000 bail.

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DA: Woman Stole to Pay for Fertility Treatment, Bills

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Fertility Treatment

Exposure to the ubiquitous polycarbonate plastics chemical, bisphenol A (BPA) has been linked to failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. Given its estrogenic mimicking properties, the chemical has long been linked to fertility, genital, and reproductive issues, among other adverse health effects.

This recent study, published in Environmental Health Prespectives, found that BPA exposure at levels typically found in the general population, can lessen a womans chance of conceiving when undergoing fertility treatment, said Environmental Health News, citing Harvard University research. Women with increased BPA levels were less likely to become pregnant than women with lower levels; the link was stronger with more intense treatments. Pregnancies failed because embryos did not attach to the uterus, said Environmental Health News. Prior animal studies revealed similar results; however, this study was the first time to reveal the link in humans.

The team followed 137 women seeking fertility treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center and reviewed the link between BPA exposure and pregnancy success in women undergoing IVF treatment. The women were of childbearing agebetween 18 and 45 years of agewho used their own eggs; most were Caucasian and non-smokers, said Environmental Health News. The women were followed through each IVF cycle until they either delivered their baby or stopped IVF treatment and underwent one of three IVF treatment protocols based on if they were poor or good responders. Poor responders require large doses of fertility drugs and conclude with fewer eggs.

BPA concentrations in urine samples were measured at each treatment and researchers confirmed pregnancies, which were defined as successful embryo implantation, by measuring blood samples for levels of a hormone produced during pregnancy: -human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (-HCG). -HCG is found in blood and urine of women who are as early as 10 days pregnant, said Environmental Health News. The results suggest that increased BPA levels are tied to the number of failed pregnancies in women receiving fertility treatment, which confirms what has been seen in animal studies and supports prior study findings linking BPA to fertility problems.

BPA has been at the center of a fierce debate in the United States between industry, which claims that the chemical is safe, and science, which has linked the estrogenic mimicker to myriad health effects. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has said that BPA is safe and rejected a petition by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) on March 30 to ban the chemical. Since, the FDA has called for more BPA studies.

BPA, a compound that uses a combination of phenol and acetone, enters food when it leeches from food and beverage containers, and has been approved by the FDA for use in shatter-resistant polycarbonate plastic and durable epoxy resins. BPA leaches into productshot or coldand into the skin, from common items such as paper money, toilet paper, and receipts. BPA works in the body as an anti-androgen, a substance that blocks hormone activity, and mimics estrogen, a powerful female hormone. Because of this, BPA affects, even interrupts, sexual development and processes, especially in developing fetuses, infants, and children.

We recently wrote that another BPA study revealed a possible link to breast cancer and have long written that BPA is linked to toxic injury and life threatening illnesses in many hundreds of studies, BPA has also has been linked to future cardiac issues and was found to mix up the bodys hormones, tricking fat cells into taking in more fat or confusing the pancreas into releasing too much insulin, the hormone responsible to regulate the breakdown of fat and carbohydrates in the body. At least two BPA-breast cancer links and links to increased anxiety and depression in preschoolers exposed to BPA in the womb have been revealed. BPA has also been linked to toxic injury and implications in intestinal problems, brain cell connection interference, increased risks of immune system diseases and disorders, problems with liver function testing, and interruptions in chemotherapy treatment. Increased risks for reproductive system disease, for instance, to uterine health and mammalian reproduction; a deadly uterine infection; premature puberty; Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and other female fertility and endocrine issues; and erectile dysfunction and male sexual problems in males as young as the developing fetus have been linked to BPA. Very significantly, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently said that BPA may affect the development of young and unborn children.

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BPA Exposure Associated With Failed IVF

FULLERTON, Calif. (KABC) — A woman who allegedly used her former employer’s credit cards to pay for fertility treatments for her partner will be arraigned Thursday.

Police said 35-year-old Ligia Baciu of Fullerton stole more than $236,000 while working in the accounting department of Sweet Life Enterprises.

Baciu is accused of using the company’s credit cards to pay for trips, an engagement ring, a down payment on a car and the fertility treatments.

She is facing several fraud charges. If convicted, she could get a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

(Copyright 2012 KABC-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

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Fullerton woman accused of putting partner's fertility treatments on work tab

May 17th, 2004 is when Midwest Reproductive Center opened its doors to everyone.

About this practice:

MidwestReproductive Center, PA (MRC) is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality medical care to meet the individual needs of our patients. They are a team of professionals with extensive experience in the field of reproductive endocrinology. Their office is known for providing personalized service in a warm and caring environment.

MRC offers a full range of diagnostic testing and treatment for infertility and reproductive disorders. The founder and director, Dr. Dan Gehlbach is a board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist. He is an experienced surgeon in both endoscopic and open procedures. MRC has the only IVF program in theKansas Cityarea that performs in vitro fertilization in a comfortable office setting.

Physicians at this practice:

Dan Gehlbach, MD

Address:

KANSAS
Midwest Reproductive Center, PA
20375 W. 151st St., Ste 403
Doctors Building 1
Olathe, Kansas 66061
(913) 780-4300

MISSOURI
Midwest Reproductive Center, PA
Northland Location
Medical Plaza North
2750 Clay Edwards Drive, Ste 604
North Kansas City, MO 64116
(913) 780-4300

Source:
http://www.arcfertility.com/fertilityblog/?feed=rss2

We understand infertility is a personal issue that requires compassion and sensitivity. Our goal is to not only treat our patients medically, but also to provide them with comprehensive care that will help them overcome the difficulties some couples experience when conceiving a child.

Our office offers a wide range of fertility treatments and options that will help our patients achieve the greatest chance for success. We provide a variety of treatments and solutions patients need to start a family, from ovulation induction to in vitro fertilization to reproductive surgery.

Physician at this practice:

Laura T Lawrence MD

Address:

800 5th Avenue

Suite 210

Fort Worth, TX 76104

Source:
http://www.arcfertility.com/fertilityblog/?feed=rss2

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) Mothers Day can be tough for Andrea Betts.

Its hard because I want to be a mother, but I cant be yet, she said.

Last February, she and her husband, Ryan Smith, were approaching their one year anniversary, the date they planned to start trying.

My brain and my heart and everything was really set on doing that right now, she said.

But, when doctors diagnosed Betts with breast cancer, her well laid plans came crashing down.

All this information and news is raining down on you, and the one question I had for him was, what about kids?, said Betts.

Dr. Walid Saleh, of the Sher Fertility Institute said, her response was a common one among young women diagnosed with cancer.

For some women, the infertility is more stressful than the cancer diagnosis, he said.

The Institutes fertility rescue program, though, helps cancer patients freeze eggs or embryos for the future, free of charge.The normal cost for the service is about $10,000, according to Dr. Saleh.

Betts and her husband had only one shot, though, to produce a fertilized egg before she had to start chemo.Their attempt paid off.

More here:
Fertility Institute Offers Help For Hopeful Parents

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6 Steps to Becoming a Healthy Mother: Attain Fertility Offers Advice in Honor of Mother’s Day

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Birth Defect Rates Vary Depending on Fertility Treatment: Study

Thank you for your interest in the UCSF Center for Reproductive Health. They are proud to offer you a compassionate and innovative program staffed by a diverse interdisciplinary team that has expertise from some of the top programs in the country. All of their physicians, who have extensive experience, are board-certified in both obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Their expertise is complemented by the commitment and care of a large team of professionals, including genetic counselors, psychologists, male reproductive health specialists, quality nurses and a detail-oriented office staff. They are extremely proud of the exceptional doctorate level embryology staff working in our laboratory to maximize success for all individuals and couples who choose to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in our program. At UCSF, they are fortunate to have experienced, compassionate nurses who are committed to the philosophy of their practice: respecting and supporting patients’ medical and emotional needs. Their office staff is also very knowledgeable and can assist you with all aspects of your administrative needs to make the process as smooth as possible. Everyone deserves the right to understand their reproductive potential and how it affects their reproductive options. They understand that many of the decisions you have made, and those you will make, are not easy choices and are frequently accompanied by stress and ambiguity. They all share the highest standards in the delivery of care and believe an inter-disciplinary practice offers you the best option for fertility treatment. Their goal is to support you with compassion, innovation and expertise. It is their hope, and intention, to make this journey as comfortable as possible for you.

Physicians at this practice:

Dr. Marcelle I. Cedars (SF)

Dr. Victor Y. Fujimoto (SF)

Dr. Heather Huddleston (SF & Serramonte)

Dr. Mitchell Rosen (SF)

 Dr. Paolo Rinaudo (SF)

Dr. Linda Giudice (SF)

Dr. Nam Tran (SF) A. Musa Zamah MD, PhD (SF)

Address:

UCSF Center for Reproductive Health

2356 Sutter Street, Floor #7

 San Francisco, CA 94115

Ph: (415) 353 -7475

Source:
http://www.arcfertility.com/fertilityblog/?feed=rss2

May 5 2012

Fertility treatment raises the risk of birth defects in babies, the largest study of its kind has found.

A report by the University of Adelaide published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that on average defects were present in 8.3% of pregnancies that involved fertility treatment compared to 5.8% of pregnancies caused by natural conception.

Researchers linked a census of more than 6,100 births that occurred as a result of fertility treatment in South Australia to a registry of more than 300,000 births and 18,000 birth defects.

According to the study, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) posed the least risk to women opting for assisted conception, with defects occurring in 7.2% of pregnancies.

IVF mothers’ chances of giving birth to children with defects were already higher due to factors related to their infertility problems.

IVF’s main alternative, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which involves the injection of a single sperm directly into an egg, posed a higher risk for defects that cannot be controlled for by female fertility factors, and resulted in defects in one in 10 pregnancies.

However, ICSI is primarily used for male fertility problems, and its risk was significantly decreased using frozen eggs, according to the study’s lead author, Associate Professor Michael Davies of the University of Adelaide.

He explained: “This may be due to developmentally compromised embryos failing to survive the freeze/thaw process,” adding, “while assisted reproductive technologies are associated with an increased risk of major birth defects overall, we found significant differences in risk between available treatments”.

In 2005, the last year for which data was available, 5,935 babies were born as a result of IVF treatment compared to 5,265 babies born with the help of ICSI.

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UK & World News: Study compares birth defect rates

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Fertility treatments

By MARILYNN MARCHIONE AP Chief Medical Writer

Test-tube babies have higher rates of birth defects, and doctors have long wondered: Is it because of certain fertility treatments or infertility itself? A large new study from Australia suggests both may play a role.

Compared to those conceived naturally, babies that resulted from simple IVF, or in vitro fertilization – mixing eggs and sperm in a lab dish – had no greater risk of birth defects once factors such as the mom’s age and smoking were taken into account.

However, birth defects were more common if treatment included injecting a single sperm into an egg, which is done in many cases these days, especially if male infertility is involved. About 10 percent of babies born this way had birth defects versus 6 percent of those conceived naturally, the study found.

It could be that the extra jostling of egg and sperm does damage. Or that other problems lurk in the genes of sperm so defective they must be forced to fertilize an egg.

“I don’t want to scare people,” because the vast majority of babies are born healthy, said the study’s leader, Michael Davies of the University of Adelaide in Australia.

Couples could use simple IVF without sperm injection, freeze the embryos and implant only one or two at a time, he said. All of those can cut the chance of a birth defect.

The study was published online Saturday by the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at a fertility conference in Barcelona, Spain. Health agencies in Australia paid for the research.

More than 3.7 million babies are born each year through assisted reproduction. Methods include everything from drugs to coax the ovaries to make eggs to artificial insemination and IVF. Fertility treatments account for about 4 percent of births in Australia and as many as 8 percent of them in Denmark, where costs are widely covered, Davies said.

In the United States, more than 60,000 babies were born in 2009 from 146,000 IVF attempts. About three-quarters of them used ICSI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

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Hometownstations.com-WLIO- Lima, OH News Weather SportsStudy ties fertility treatment, birth defect risk

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Fitness And Fertility

In other fertility news, Backstreet Boys A.J. McLean and his wife, Rochelle DeAnna Karidis, are expecting their first child, the couple announced on YouTube.

McLean will be the fourth BB to become a dad. Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough and Kevin Richardson all have a son.

Hopefully AJ can stay out of rehab.

In January 2011, he entered for personal reasons.

“With 2011 being a busy year for Backstreet, I want to be healthy and perform and sing for people at my very best and happiest. None of this will affect our current tour plans and I look forward to seeing everyone really soon! Thank you for all of your support and respecting my family and friends privacy during this time,” he wrote in a statement.

The singer has been in rehab in 2001 and, again, in 2002 for issues including depression and alcohol abuse.

Read more:
AJ McLean going to be a dad