Surrogacy in Connecticut

Gestational Surrogacy in Connecticut

Surrogacy is legal in Connecticut. The Connecticut Parentage Act (CPA) provides a protected path to parentage for any intended parents pursuing gestational surrogacy. The CPA ensures that all Connecticut children – regardless of the circumstances of their birth or the marital status, gender, or sexual orientation of their parents – have equal access to the security of a legal parent-child relationship.

Understanding Surrogacy Laws in Connecticut

Legal Parentage

Connecticut has a statute that requires Vital Records to comply with court orders in issuing a birth certificate naming the intended parents in a gestational surrogacy arrangement as the parents. Parentage orders are granted pre-birth, but an in-person healing with all parties (intended parents, gestational carrier, and gestational carrier spouse) tends to be required.

Backing up a step, the legal parentage process is the critical step where parentage is determined. Depending on where your child is born, the birth parentage orders will be completed either pre- or post-birth. Every state, whether pre-birth, post-birth, or some combination of the two, has its own unique process and requirements. Working with an experienced Assisted Reproductive Technology lawyer and reputable agency is critical to the success of a surrogacy journey. One of the many benefits of working with an established agency like ConceiveAbilities is the legal oversight, education, and support provided to both intended parents and gestational surrogates.

Pre-Birth Orders

The pre-birth process means that the relevant state law provides an avenue for the parties to present an order to a judge for entry prior to the child being born that establishes the intended parent(s) as the legal parents of the child. It will also likely direct the hospital to release the child to the intended parents after discharge and order the Connecticut Office of Vital Records to name the intended parents on the child’s birth certificate.

Post-Birth Processes

The post-birth process is overall procedurally the same as the pre-birth, but it occurs after the child is born. Often this is because the relevant state law contemplates the existence of a live child before anything can be filed or entered. But the ultimate result is the same – a birth certificate with the intended parents’ names and secure legal parentage of the child in favor of the intended parents. Post-birth court orders may be necessary if the pre-birth order process isn’t followed, ensuring legal parentage.

Common Questions About Connecticut Surrogacy Law

Do You Need a Medical Need for Surrogacy in Connecticut?

Connecticut does not require a medical need for surrogacy.

Are There Any Requirements or Specifications for Intended Parent(s) as It Relates to Marital Status?

Connecticut permits married couples, partners and single individuals to pursue surrogacy, regardless of marital status.

Do Intended Parent(s) need a genetic connection to the embryo?

In Connecticut, parents do not need a genetic connection to the embryo.

Can International Intended Parent(s) Pursue Surrogacy in Connecticut?

International parents can pursue surrogacy in Connecticut. Learn more about becoming a parent with international family building.

Can LGBTQIA+ Intended Parents safely pursue surrogacy in your state?

Yes, Connecticut allows surrogacy for all individuals including the gay and LGBTQ+ community, regardless of sexual orientation. Learn more about surrogacy and the LGBTQ+ Community.

Can I Use My Own Surrogate? Is Altruistic Surrogacy Permitted?

Yes, altruistic surrogacy is permitted in Connecticut. Even if you have a surrogate, you may still choose to partner with a surrogacy agency to navigate your journey.

Are there any residency requirements for either Intended Parent(s) or surrogates in Connecticut?

Generally no. Intended parents do not need to be Connecticut residents to carry out a surrogacy journey in Connecticut. Similarly, gestational carriers are not required to reside in Connecticut, but for state laws to apply at least one part of the surrogacy must take place in Connecticut.

Are there any written laws (statute or case law) relating to the rights of gestational carriers?

The Connecticut Parentage Act outlines the rights and requirements of a surrogate. Learn more about surrogate rights.