In the opening session Lorraine Culley from the UK presented fascinating findings from a UK research study on "Who is Travelling Abroad for Fertility Treatment and Why?"  This presentation was followed by a lecture by Daniel Seidman from Israel, who offered a global overview of the current position of cross border medical tourism.  It was agreed to accept the EHRE Task force on Ethics and Law position that the terms ‘reproductive’ or ‘procreative tourism’ should be avoided because of their negative connotations and that the more neutral term ‘cross-border reproductive care’ should be used.

The next day Hannanel Holzer from Canada took up the challenging topic of "Searching for the Perfect Baby" and presented an up-to-date lecture on the use of genetic diagnosis in the embryo.  In the following talk, Mete Isikoglu from Turkey described his extensive experience running a leading cross border donor egg IVF program.  Deep concern was raised that if the new law in Turkey, banning physicians from even suggesting egg donation to their patients, is upheld by the Turkish Supreme Court, such important egg donation programs may become history.

David Bider presented an exciting new technical development undertaken with Viktor Zinchenko of Ukraine, who was also present at the meeting. They showed a new sophisticated mobile pressurized incubator that allows for the first time safe and efficient international shipping of fresh human embryos.  Data on the successful use of this new device in a very active cross-border egg donation program was presented.
The significance of financial considerations for reproductive care was discussed by Daniel Seidman who presented the results of study examining the true demands for IVF once cost barriers are removed.  It was found that when insurance offered full reimbursement of the cost of unlimited IVF treatments, approximately 90% of couples, less than 35 years of age, can expect to achieve a live birth within four years.

The unique position of the IVF scene in South Africa was presented by Tertia Albertyn in her talk, provocatively entitled "White, Black or Colored Eggs?".  The pros and cons of unique schemes, where South African women travel to India to donate eggs for homosexual couples, who acquire the services of Indian surrogate mothers, was debated.

Cristina Pozzobon from Europe's largest egg donation program unit, IVI, discussed data on the motivation and expectations of patients seeking reproductive care in Spain.  Patients from Italy and France were the most frequent clients of this sizeable multicenter Spanish program, mainly seeking sperm and egg donation services.

The meetings lectures were completed with an important talk by Prema Vaidyanathan from Canada on the ethics of international travel searching for ART.  This interesting presentation led to a lively discussion. 
At the conclusion of the meeting all participants agreed that this stimulating workshop set a great beginning, for a focal society that will be centered on an important and exciting new field.
It was agreed that the first Annual meeting will be held in Paris during March 2011.   A future meeting will