It is estimated that in 2015, more than 2,000 babies will be born by surrogacy in the United States. Intended parents are both here in the nation and around the world. Infertility has become such a profound health issue that many individuals and couples are deciding to raise their families by having a compassionate woman carry her baby. Not only can people affected by infertility have children, but gay people and couples now enjoy the same dignity and rights.
The United States continues to be a leading destination for prospective domestic and international parents seeking a surrogate through a reputable agency. The reason for this is that the legal framework is stable. However, with that said, each state has its own statutes and laws, so it is imperative to understand all the nuances.
As the CEO of an international egg donor and surrogate agency, there are dedicated professionals on hand to help make parenting dreams come true. Having traveled the world, millions face infertility challenges and so does the LGBT community. Here in the states, couples and individuals are struggling with the same issues. The yearning to be a parent transcends all language and cultural barriers.
While a large number of states approve surrogacy contracts, there are states that prohibit it at this time, such as Washington DC, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Washington.
It’s also important to note that the legal tapestry is constantly changing, so partnering with a prominent reproductive attorney is highly recommended. And for international couples, teaming up with an attorney here in the United States who has a professional report with attorneys outside of the United States in those countries is vital.
As mentioned above, although some states prohibit surrogacy, these are the main areas with lax laws adopting it. These “Golden States” are as follows:
• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island
Considered the most enlightened states, each gives prospective parents the legal right to hire a woman as a surrogate. The intent to parent, the paternity process, and the surrogate’s release of parental rights are all executed with the help of an attorney and proper legal documentation. Above all, once the baby is born, the names of the future parents are on the birth certificate.
In states such as Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, North Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin, a reproductive attorney will assist in addressing and resolving any paternity limitations in these states in terms of the baby’s genetics, a person’s marital status, and / or sexual orientation.
And depending on individual cases and legal venues, these states allow surrogacy through laws and statutes. Again, an attorney will help you navigate prospective parents in the following states:
• Maryland
• New Mexico
• Pennsylvania
• Wyoming
• West Virginia
At this point, one might wonder if it is better to search for the “Golden States”. Frankly, surrogacy can be accomplished in other states with a skilled attorney. Similarly, some prospective parents enjoy having their surrogate mother live in a smaller city where there are significant cost savings in terms of healthcare, travel, hotels, car rentals, and more. In fact, there are advantages for smaller cities.
However, it is still a personal decision.
In the future, attorneys may also assist parents seeking to have a surrogate living in an “empty state” that currently has no laws or statutes related to third party reproduction. They will assist in areas such as parenting and / or post-birth parenting if there are any restrictions present.
These statuses can include the following:
• Colorado
• Georgia
• Kentucky
• Alaska
• Alabama
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Mississippi
• Mountain
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Vermont
The United States offers individuals and couples a variety of possibilities to raise a family through surrogacy. With a reputable agency and an excellent attorney, parenting dreams will come true.