BLUF: (or TL;DR): Asking for help in lesbian parentage case that is set to go to trial the 17th.

Reddit, please hear me out. My sister has been seeing this wonderful woman for quite some time now and they have been in a stable, loving relationship. They are making a case that could effect your parental rights as gay couples in the future in the United States and are now within a few days of the trial. You can read all about it by going to Google and typing in "Shineovich v. Kemp", but I have also included an article for you to read.

The reason I am here is because they need your help. If you can, please help donate anything, a dollar, ten dollars - whatever you have that you can throw their way will help tremendously. Remember, this is not only a trial that will affect their lives, but also a trial history will remember if it is successful.

I have included a letter she wrote in hopes to get people to come to her aid:

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Nacrina Carvell. I am writing to bring your attention to a landmark legal case that is in the works in the state of Oregon.

Sondra Shineovich is the non-biological mother of two beautiful children, a son now six years old and a daughter who is now three and a half years old, born through artificial insemination during a ten year long committed relationship with her former partner. Before the daughter was born, the parents' relationship dissolved. Sondra has yet to have the right to meet her daughter. Sondra, as a parent, continues to fight for the right to be involved in their lives and seeks legal parenting status through the Oregon courts. After battling this injustice out of her own pockets since November 2006, the legal costs have been so substantial that Sondra is now struggling financially to complete this final battle. This month, October 2010, an account has been opened at US Bank for donations to be made in order to assist her in her legal costs in the hopes of catapulting this case into new law to benefit not only Sondra and her children, but other families as well who find themselves in similar situations of non-biological parents in same sex relationships not having the same rights to their children born through artificial insemination that a heterosexual couple's non-biological parent would have. Donations are accepted at any US Bank branch in the nation: Sondra S Legal Fund.

On July 15, 2009, the Oregon Appellate Court ruled a decision that it was unconstitutional for Sondra to not have the same rights as a heterosexual man who would be in her same situation. (http://www.publications.ojd.state.or.us/A138013.htm). However, the case was pushed back to the trial level court for a determination of whether or not the intent was there for Sondra to be the second parent. Many other families in Oregon, as well as other states, stand to benefit greatly in similar situations as a result of this legal case. The Supreme Court refused to review the Appellate Court's decision, which makes it stand. The final court date is scheduled for November 17, 2010 in Multnomah County, and is open for those who wish to support Sondra in person.

Sondra Shineovich works in the Mental Health field, and is a very intelligent, compassionate and driven woman. The National Association of Professional and Executive Women (NAPEW) bestowed upon her the honor of Women in Excellence for 2008-2009. Additionally, she is a lifetime member of Cambridge's “Who's Who”. She has received countless awards and recognitions throughout her career, and proves herself to be a pioneer at heart in her work as well as in her personal life, showing every day in her strength of character. Hopefully she will also be reconnected with both of her children without further interruptions. We appreciate any assistance offered, in any form of good intent, toward Sondra Shineovich's continuing fight for the declaration that she is a recognized parent, by law, to both of her children.

Contact to assist Sondra Shineovich legally: David Owens, Attorney at Law: 503-224-3100

Donations accepted at any US Bank branch to the Sondra S Legal Fund, set up 10/2010.

Donations also accepted through Pay Pal :

Sondra S Legal Fund PayPal Link

Thank you for your time and your assistance,

Nacrina P. Carvell