SURROGACY LAW ASSISTANCE

Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts

Alternate Birthing Options

Surrogacy is defined as the act of a woman carrying a child from conception to birth for another individual or couple.

There are two types of surrogacy: Traditional and Gestational.

Traditional Surrogacy

Gestational Surrogacy

Surrogacy and the Law

If ever there was a minefield of legal consequences, surrogacy would rank high on that list.

Each state has their own laws governing surrogacy, with some being much friendlier than others. Virginia, North Carolina, New York, Maryland & Massachusetts are no exception.

Legal Implications of Surrogacy

As mentioned earlier, there are many considerations to take into account with surrogacy - each of which carries its own legal implications.

Here are just a few:

Compensation: Carrying a child is both stressful, time consuming (usually nine months!) and expensive (doctors visits, special diets, vitamins, and so on). Is paying for these expenses considered compensation for purposes of surrogacy law (which is generally illegal) or not?

Gay and Lesbian Couples: Do same sex partners have a constitutional right to engage in the same surrogacy practices as heterosexual couples?

Single Parents: Does a single man or woman have the same rights as a married couple to engage the services of a surrogate mother

Change of Heart: Does the surrogate mother have a right to change her mind about giving up the child, and if so - how much time should she be given to alter her original decision?

Multiple Births: What happens when the in vitro insemination results in twins, triplets, or even more babies? Who then supports the "extra" children? A clearly written surrogacy agreement can help.

Disabilities:It happens - a child is born with disabilities such as Downs Syndrome or some other physical or mental impairments. Do the intended parents have the right to "reject" such a child? Does the surrogate mother have the right to force them to take over the care and upbringing of the handicapped baby?

Breach of Contract:If the surrogate mother breaches a surrogacy agreement by drinking and smoking during her pregnancy, can the intended parents sue to stop her from doing so, and/or negate the original agreement?

SRIS PC

If you are considering or planning a surrogate pregnancy, it's in everyone's best interest to engage the services of a skilled surrogacy lawyer. The family law attorneys at SRIS, P.C. can help guide you through this very intricate and emotional undertaking.

Starting a family is no small or minor matter, and starting one with non-traditional methods is even more complex.

Make sure you know all the ramifications and consequences of your decision beforehand - it'll save you not only time and money, but perhaps emotional pain and heartbreaks as well.

Call us at 888-437-7747 or contact us on line to talk with one of our surrogacy lawyers in Virginia, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, or Massachusetts. Whatever is discussed between you and your surrogacy attorney stays between you and your surrogacy attorney.