“[our lawyer] provided a 5-step checklist and step 1 was to get legally married. Step 2 was understanding… we had to have any insemination, be observed by a physician who knew everything that was going on, and there was also an extra consent form [by non-gestational parent] to sign, to basically consent to have their spouse be inseminated by another man [sperm donor].” - R.
Parental Recognition Laws
While it may seem unusual, it's important to legally establish parentage if you're not the biological parent, even if you carried your partner's donor embryo.
As a parent, you ensure your child's safety, medical care, education, and financial security. It's important to legally recognize your parent-child relationship, known as "parentage." Laws vary by state and type of parent-child relationship, such as adoption or assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Some states recognize intended parents as legal parents if they consent to ART, regardless of marital status, while others require marriage.
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To learn more, visit the Parental Recognition Laws section on the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) website.