- Is surrogacy legal in Connecticut?Yes, surrogacy is legal in Connecticut. The state allows gestational surrogacy under case law and practice, and this includes arrangements for singles, unmarried couples, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Connecticut law typically permits the issuance of pre-birth orders to establish the intended parents' legal rights. The Connecticut Parentage Act (CPA) permits gestational surrogacy, provides an accessible path to parentage for children born through assisted reproduction, and strengthens protections for children born through surrogacy.
- Can LGBTQ+ individuals and same-sex couples pursue surrogacy in Connecticut?Connecticut is an LGBTQ-friendly state, and its surrogacy laws are inclusive, allowing LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to pursue surrogacy and establish legal parentage. The Connecticut Parentage Act (CPA) creates clear and accessible methods for establishing legal parentage of children in Connecticut, ensuring equal access to legal parentage for all children, including those with unmarried, same-gender, or nonbiological parents.
- What are the requirements for becoming a surrogate in Connecticut?Surrogates in Connecticut 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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut?In Connecticut, intended parents can establish legal parentage through a pre-birth order, which is typically allowed under state law. Following a 2011 Connecticut Supreme Court decision, Vital Records may not refuse to list a non-biological parent on a birth certificate. Consequently, pre-birth parentage orders are typically granted in most instances. This includes cases where the intended parent(s) may be single or part of a couple, married or unmarried, heterosexual or same-sex, and regardless of their biological relationship to the child. It's recommended to work with an attorney specializing in reproductive law to navigate these processes effectively.
- What are the costs associated with surrogacy in Connecticut?Surrogacy costs in Connecticut can vary, but they generally include agency fees, surrogate compensation, medical expenses, legal fees, and other related costs. Agencies like Fairfax Surrogacy offer fixed cost packages to provide clarity and manage financial aspects of the surrogacy journey.
- Is Connecticut a surrogacy-friendly state?Yes, Connecticut is considered a surrogacy-friendly state. The legal environment in Connecticut is supportive of gestational surrogacy, allowing for a range of surrogacy arrangements. This includes provisions for singles, unmarried couples, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, Connecticut typically allows for the issuance of pre-birth orders, which further facilitates the surrogacy process by establishing the intended parents' legal rights before the birth of the child.
- How do I find a surrogate in Connecticut?Finding a surrogate in Connecticut 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 Connecticut 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.