- Is surrogacy legal in Illinois?Yes, surrogacy is legal in Illinois. The state allows gestational surrogacy under case law and practice. The Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act typically permits the issuance of pre-birth orders to establish the intended parents' legal rights, provided at least one parent is biologically related to the child.
- Can LGBTQ+ individuals and same-sex couples pursue surrogacy in Illinois?Illinois is an LGBTQ-friendly state and its surrogacy laws are inclusive, allowing LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to pursue surrogacy and establish legal parentage.
- What are the requirements for becoming a surrogate in Illinois?Surrogates in Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois?In Illinois, intended parents can establish legal parentage through a pre-birth order, which is typically allowed under state law. In cases where neither parent is biologically related to the child, additional legal steps are essential. It's recommended to work with an attorney specializing in reproductive law to navigate these processes.
- What are the costs associated with surrogacy in Illinois?Surrogacy costs in Illinois 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 Illinois a surrogacy-friendly state?Yes, Illinois is considered a surrogacy-friendly state. The legal environment in Illinois is supportive of gestational surrogacy, allowing for a range of surrogacy arrangements. This includes provisions for singles, unmarried couples, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, Illinois allows for the issuance of pre-birth orders in some instances, 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 Illinois?Finding a surrogate in Illinois 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 Illinois 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.