Surrogacy in Connecticut

In Connecticut, it starts with intended parents finding an agency or independent surrogate, then undergoing extensive medical and psychological screenings. Once they find a match, they sign a legally binding contract before moving forward with medical procedures, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). Guidance and support are provided throughout the journey to ensure the process goes smoothly.

There are a few fundamental steps in the surrogacy process:

• Finding a surrogate: You can find one through an agency or independently.
• Medical screenings: Ensuring the surrogate is fit, both physically and mentally, to carry a pregnancy.
• Legal contracts: Drafting clear terms to ensure the rights and responsibilities of both the intended parents and the surrogate.
• Achieving pregnancy: IVF and embryo transfer are used as the method to achieve pregnancy.
• Pregnancy care and monitoring: Regular check-ups and support for the surrogate.
• Birth and legal procedures: Navigating the process after the birth.

Connecticut has an open and progressive attitude toward surrogacy that allows various people and couples to seek parenthood this way. Connecticut surrogacy laws are typically favorable to individuals wishing to expand their family through surrogacy, regardless of whether you are in a traditional marriage, a same-sex relationship, or are a single person.

Surrogacy is open to:

• Heterosexual married couples who could be dealing with infertility.
• Same-sex couples wanting to have a child who is biologically related to at least one partner.
• Single parents looking to expand their families through surrogacy.
• Intended parents who conceived with donor eggs, sperm, or embryos.

No matter their background, all intended parents must adhere to Connecticut’s specific legal criteria to establish parental rights and promote a smooth surrogacy journey.

Connecticut has one of the most favorable surrogacy laws in the United States. The state recognizes compensated gestational surrogacy arrangements, meaning surrogates can be fairly compensated for their time and effort. Intended parents can also obtain legal parental rights to the baby before birth, which ensures peace of mind throughout the process.

Important Legal Aspects of Surrogacy in Connecticut

• Pre-birth orders are available to married, unmarried, and same-sex couples.
• Gestational surrogacy contracts are legally recognized and enforceable.
• Compensation for surrogates is allowed, within reasonable limits.
• Parental rights are established long before birth, preventing complex legal battles after birth.

For more information regarding Connecticut surrogacy laws, visit:

• https://cga.ct.gov
• https://jud.ct.gov

Connecticut offers a welcoming environment, with strong legal protections for intended parents. The process typically involves extensive research to find a legitimate surrogacy agency or independent surrogate, medical and legal processes, such as contract signing and document verification, and more. However, intended parents should be prepared for rigorous screenings, financial obligations, and legal contracts.

What it means for intended parents:

• Decide whether to work through a surrogacy agency or independently.
• Understand the financial aspects: cost breakdown and payment obligations.
• Familiarize themselves with legal requirements to ensure compliance.
• Establish a good relationship with the surrogate.
• Mentally prepare for the journey ahead.

Taking these steps helps intended parents feel confident as they navigate their surrogacy journey.

Surrogacy is a significant financial commitment, with costs depending on agency fees, legal and medical fees, and surrogate compensation. Surrogacy costs range from $90,000 to $150,000.

The primary costs involved in surrogacy include:

• Agency fees: These cover matching services, screenings, and assistance.
• Medical bills: Fertility treatments, IVF, and prenatal care.
• Methods of surrogate compensation: Base pay, benefits, and reimbursements.
• Legal fees: Contract drafting and parental rights establishment.
• Miscellaneous costs: Travel, insurance, and contingency funds.

The hardest part of the surrogacy journey for most people is finding the right surrogate. Intended parents may choose to work with a surrogacy agency or search independently.

How to Find a Surrogate:

• Surrogacy agencies: These agencies offer professional screening and matching services.
• Family or friends: Some intended parents recruit a trusted family member or friend to act as the surrogate.

In both cases, the surrogate must meet all medical and legal requirements.

Surrogacy is a wonderful and life-changing process. If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, remember that you are helping families grow, while being compensated for your time and effort and having your medical expenses covered.
All surrogates in Connecticut must pass specific health and psychological screenings to ensure the process is safe and successful.

Key benefits of surrogacy for surrogates:

• Reasonably compensated for time and effort.
• Regular care throughout your pregnancy, including checkups.
• Your rights under Connecticut law.
• The rewarding experience of helping others create their future family.

Surrogate compensation in Connecticut varies but generally falls between $40,000 and $60,000, plus benefits and reimbursements. The amount of payment is influenced by factors such as experience, medical history, and the specific arrangement with prospective parents.

Surrogates are paid for:

• Base salary: Compensation for carrying the pregnancy.
• Health care costs: Prenatal care and delivery expenses.
• Legal fees and representation: Legal costs related to the surrogacy process.
• Other advantages: Travel, maternity wear, and compensation for lost wages if applicable.

Connecticut provides a loving and legally sound environment for both intended parents and surrogates. The state’s high court has ruled that surrogacy agreements are legally recognized, and parental rights can be established prior to birth. This makes Connecticut an ideal state for surrogacy arrangements, offering good compensation and a strong legal framework. Working with reputable agencies and legal professionals can help individuals navigate the process and achieve their family-building goals.