human embryos; disposition

HB 4039 clarifies how courts handle disputes over the disposition of in vitro human embryos in family law cases. It requires courts to follow any written agreement between parties about embryo disposition first; if no agreement exists or it's unclear, courts must weigh the parties' interests to decide. The bill directly affects couples involved in divorce, custody, or similar proceedings where IVF embryos are part of the legal dispute. It replaces an older statute with these specific procedures, focusing on written agreements and judicial balancing. The law applies to all Arizona courts handling such cases involving in vitro human embryos.