What really happens to an embryo from the moment of fertilization until transfer?

How much do an embryologist’s knowledge, experience, and everyday decisions influence the success of in vitro fertilization? And when does preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) truly have medical justification?
The 25th issue of the magazine Šansa za roditeljstvo features an interview with Bojana
Mirosavljević, an embryologist and a woman whose professional mission is inseparably
connected to her personal life experience.
After losing her daughter Zoja, who was affected by the rare Batten disease, she transformed her personal struggle into advocacy for systemic changes that led to the adoption of “Zoja’s Law,” improving access to early diagnostics and genetic testing for children in Serbia. Today, with a unique combination of professional expertise and personal experience, Bojana speaks about the role of the embryologist, embryo development in the laboratory, the possibilities offered by modern genetics, as well as responsibility, ethical dilemmas, and the importance of teamwork on the journey toward parenthood.
If you are interested in what lies behind the doors of an embryology laboratory and how science, dedication, and empathy come together to create a chance for new life, do not miss this interview. We thank the magazine Šansa za roditeljstvo for the opportunity to discuss together topics that deserve greater visibility.

You can read the interview in the 25th issue of the magazine

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE PANEL

„Genetics as a Family’s Ally“

On June 16, a lecture and panel discussion titled “The Role of Genetics in
Reproduction – Genetics and Family Planning: What Should We Know?” was held
in Novi Sad, organized by the Life Association and the GenLife Association, with the
support of the Ministry for Family Welfare and Demography of the Republic of Serbia.
Experts in genetics, reproductive medicine, and the healthcare system, together with
representatives of patient associations, discussed the importance of genetics in family
planning, the prevention of hereditary diseases, and making informed decisions about
parenthood.
A particularly inspiring moment was the story shared by the President of the Life
Association, who spoke about her family’s personal experience and demonstrated how
genetic counseling and modern medicine can bring hope even after the most difficult life
challenges.

Participants had the opportunity to learn more about:

• Genetic counseling and its importance for prospective parents
• Modern methods of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)
• Patients’ rights and the support available through the healthcare system
• The experiences of families facing the challenges of infertility treatment

The key message of the event was clear: genetics today is not only a science of
inheritance, but also an important tool that provides families with knowledge, choice,
and greater confidence on their journey toward parenthood.
We would like to thank all speakers and participants whose presence contributed to an
open and meaningful discussion about reproductive health and the future of the family.

INVITATION TO ATTEND A LECTURE AND PANEL DISCUSSION

Genetics and Family Planning: What Should We Know?

We invite you to attend a lecture and panel discussion dedicated to the importance of genetics in family planning and reproductive health.

Date: June 16, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Venue: OPENS Center, Novi Sad, Despot Stefan Boulevard 5

The aim of the event is to introduce the public to the basic concepts of genetics through expert lectures and open discussion, dispel misconceptions and fears related to genetic testing, and create space for questions and dialogue about reproductive health and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). PGT enables the identification of genetic changes in embryos before pregnancy, increases the chances of having a healthy child, and can help families affected by inherited diseases, repeated IVF failures, or recurrent miscarriages.

Through expert presentations, a geneticist, embryologist, patient representative, and representative of the Republic Health Insurance Fund will discuss the importance of genetic counseling, reproductive medicine, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and patients’ rights and opportunities within the healthcare system of Serbia.

Key Topics:

• Basics of genetics – what it means to be a “carrier”
• How inherited diseases occur
• How common rare diseases actually are within the population
• Why genetics is not intended only for “high-risk families”
• Debunking myths such as “it can’t happen to me”
• Normalizing genetic testing and informed family planning
• Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) – how it works, who it can help, and why it is important in preventing the transmission of inherited diseases and planning a healthy pregnancy

The lecture is intended for all interested citizens, future parents, young people, and anyone who
wishes to learn more about the role of genetics in modern society and reproductive health.

The event is organized by the Association for Combating Rare Diseases in Children “Life” as part
of its project “Family Planning Without Barriers – Knowledge for Healthy Offspring.” The project
is funded by the Ministry for Family Welfare and Demography of the Republic of Serbia within the
framework of the 2026 Project for Family and Legal Protection of Citizens, Coordination, and
Implementation of Population Policy.

Welcome!

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION

“Challenges of Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Healthcare for Patients with Rare Diseases”

On September 26, 2025, the Association for Combating Rare Diseases in Children “Život” organized a round table discussion at the OPENS Center in Novi Sad, dedicated to the topic: “Challenges in Accessing Healthcare for Patients with Rare Diseases During the Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care.”
This round table was held as part of a project implemented by the “Život” Association with the financial support of the European Union in Serbia. The project is led by the “Život” Citizens’ Association for Combating Rare Diseases in Children, with the support of the A11 Initiative for Economic and Social Rights, the Transatlantic Foundation (German Marshall Fund), and the European Union in Serbia through the “EU for You” initiative.
This transition period often brings additional challenges for patients and their families — from interruptions in continuity of care and lack of coordination among healthcare professionals, to difficulties in accessing therapy and specialist examinations.
The aim of the round table was to identify key challenges and formulate recommendations for improving healthcare practices and policies through the exchange of experiences and proposals from various patient associations.
The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare is one of the most critical moments in the lives of young people living with rare diseases. Without clear transition programs and intersectoral cooperation, patients and their families are often left to navigate this period alone, precisely when support is needed the most.
During the discussion, we heard firsthand experiences from patients, who openly spoke about feelings of abandonment and “being lost” within the healthcare system throughout this process. Physicians also shared their perspectives, and all participants agreed that they face the same challenges — a lack of structure and clear tools that would make the transition safer and easier for patients.
In many countries, such transition programs have existed for years — it is time for our patients to have them as well.
We would like to thank all participants for their open discussions, shared experiences, and valuable suggestions. This is only the first step toward creating a system in which no young patient with a rare disease will remain “between two worlds” of healthcare.
The presence and contributions of all participants — through their experiences, practical examples, and proposed solutions — are of great importance in achieving our common goal: ensuring continuity and quality healthcare for patients with rare diseases, regardless of age.
“Život” Association

Invitation to Participate in a Round Table Discussion

The Citizens’ Association for Combating Rare Diseases in Children “Život” is organizing a round table discussion on the topic:

“Challenges of Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Healthcare for Patients with Rare Diseases”

September 26, 2025 (Friday), from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Novi Sad, OPENS Center, Bulevar Despota Stefana 5

The transition period from pediatric to adult healthcare is one of the most sensitive stages for patients with rare diseases and their families. Discontinuity of care, lack of coordination among healthcare professionals, and limited access to therapies and specialist examinations are just some of the challenges they face.

That is why we invite you to be part of this process!

Share your experiences, suggestions, and ideas with us so that together we can develop recommendations for better practices and fairer healthcare policies.

You can send your suggestions and experiences to: info@retkebolesti.com

Your participation is valuable — let us work together to create the changes that patients truly need!

The project “United for Rare Diseases – The Right to Health for People Living with Rare Diseases” is supported by:

• A11 Initiative for Economic and Social Rights
• Transatlantic Foundation (German Marshall Fund)
• European Union in Serbia #EUzaTebe

This project is funded by the European Union.

The views and opinions expressed within the project implemented by the “Život” Association are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia.

It is with great pleasure that we announce the project implemented by the “Život” Association with the financial support of the European Union in Serbia.

The project is led by the “Život” Citizens’ Association for Combating Rare Diseases in Children, with the support of the A11 Initiative for Economic and Social Rights, the Transatlantic Foundation (German Marshall Fund), and the European Union in Serbia through the “EU for You” initiative.

The project brings together experts, patients, and advocates with the goal of systematically improving the position of people living with rare diseases.

What is the goal of the project?

The goal of the project “Collaborative Tools Against Discrimination” is to improve awareness among patients and the general public about the rights of people living with rare diseases, to empower patients through education and networking, and to raise awareness about the discrimination they are often exposed to.

The project also aims to strengthen the capacities of patient organizations working in this field.

Where is the project being implemented?

The project is being carried out throughout Serbia, with a special focus on local communities where support for patients is often insufficient. Activities include informational campaigns on social media, workshops, media appearances, and the organization of a final conference in Belgrade.

When did the project begin and how long will it last?

The project was launched during 2025, with the goal of implementing the final activity as part of the observance of Rare Disease Day (February 2026). During this period, a series of promotional activities is planned, involving patients, families, media representatives, healthcare professionals, and decision-makers.

Why is this project important?

Despite numerous challenges, patients with rare diseases often remain invisible within the healthcare system and institutions. Due to the complexity of their diagnoses, they frequently encounter bureaucratic obstacles, delays in diagnosis and treatment, and neglect within public policies.

This project aims to change that practice — to empower patients, raise public awareness, and open the door to concrete systemic solutions.

The project “Collaborative Tools Against Discrimination” is supported by:

• A11 Initiative for Economic and Social Rights
• Transatlantic Foundation (German Marshall Fund)
• European Union in Serbia #EUzaTebe