- Is surrogacy legal in Pennsylvania?Yes, surrogacy is legal in Pennsylvania. The state operates under a legal framework established through case law rather than specific surrogacy statutes. Pennsylvania case laws J.F. v. D.B., 897 A.2d 1261 (2006) and Whitewood v. Wolf, no. 1:13-cv-1861 (2014) support the practice of surrogacy, allowing intended parents to enter into surrogacy agreements. The absence of prohibitive statutes means that surrogacy agreements are generally recognized and can be facilitated with the help of legal professionals to ensure the protection of all parties involved.
- Can LGBTQ+ individuals and same-sex couples pursue surrogacy in Pennsylvania?Yes, LGBTQ+ individuals and same-sex couples can pursue surrogacy in Pennsylvania. The state's case law-based approach to surrogacy does not explicitly exclude any group based on marital status or sexual orientation, allowing for broad inclusivity. However, the specifics of obtaining pre-birth parentage orders or establishing legal parentage may vary, highlighting the importance of consulting with legal experts familiar with surrogacy and family law in Pennsylvania. Legal professionals can assist in navigating the process, ensuring that the surrogacy arrangement complies with Pennsylvania laws and that the legal rights of all parties, including the intended parents and the surrogate, are upheld.
- What are the requirements for becoming a surrogate in Pennsylvania?Surrogates in Pennsylvania typically need to meet certain criteria, such as being of a certain age range, having a previous successful pregnancy, and passing medical and psychological screenings. These requirements are in place to ensure the health and well-being of both the surrogate and the child. The basic requirements to become a surrogate in Pennsylvania are:
- Must be a legal resident of the United States
- Must be between the ages of 21 and 42 years old
- Must have a body mass index (BMI) less than or equal to 32
- Must have had at least one full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy and birth
- Must have had 5 or fewer previous deliveries and 2 or fewer C-sections
- How do intended parents establish legal parentage in Pennsylvania?
- Is Pennsylvania a surrogacy-friendly state?Yes, Pennsylvania is considered a surrogacy-friendly state. While it lacks specific statutes directly governing surrogacy, the state's legal environment, shaped by case law, supports surrogacy arrangements for a wide range of individuals, including singles, unmarried couples, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Courts in Pennsylvania have demonstrated a willingness to grant pre-birth orders, establishing the intended parents' legal rights, which indicates a progressive approach to surrogacy. This case law-based framework allows for flexibility and inclusivity in surrogacy practices, making Pennsylvania an accessible option for those seeking to build their families through surrogacy.
- How do I find a surrogate in Pennsylvania?Finding a surrogate in Pennsylvania typically involves working with a reputable surrogacy agency. These agencies have expertise in matching intended parents with surrogates who meet their specific needs and preferences. The process usually includes:
- Consultation with a Surrogacy Agency: Start by consulting a surrogacy agency like Fairfax Surrogacy. They will provide information about their services, the surrogacy process, and answer any initial questions you may have.
- Surrogate Matching Process: The agency will assist you in the matching process, taking into account factors such as compatibility, personality, values, and any specific preferences or requirements you have.
- Rigorous Screening: Surrogates in Maryland undergo a rigorous screening process, which includes medical, psychological, and background checks, to ensure they are suitable for the surrogacy journey.
- Legal and Medical Procedures: Once a match is made, the agency will guide you through the necessary legal and medical procedures, including drafting surrogacy agreements and coordinating medical treatments.
- How much do surrogates get paid with Fairfax?Base compensation starts at $55,000 for first-time surrogates and $65,000 for repeat surrogates. With milestone bonuses, allowances, and benefits, total packages typically begin around $60,000 (first-time) and $70,000 (repeat). Reimbursements, contingent fees, and insurance support are provided on top, and we'll never use inflated "up to" numbers to make the package look bigger than it is.
- Will it cost me anything to be a surrogate?Nothing. Financial transparency is one of our priorities. All pregnancy-related expenses are covered, with no hidden costs along the way. Any pregnancy-related expenses you pay out of pocket are fully reimbursed under the terms of your surrogacy agreement. Funds are collected upfront in escrow, so your compensation is protected from day one.
- Can I be a surrogate if I've had a c-section or my tubes tied?Yes to both. We accept surrogates who have had up to 2 c-sections. And tied tubes (or a past tubal ligation) do not impact your ability to be a gestational surrogate, because IVF transfers the embryo directly to the uterus, bypassing the tubes entirely.
- Will I have to travel?Most likely, but only briefly. If you aren't local to the fertility clinic, you'll travel there for 1 to 2 days for the initial medical screening and 2 to 3 days for the embryo transfer. Fairfax covers all travel-related expenses, and a companion can accompany you for the embryo transfer.