Gestational Surrogacy in Massachusetts

Same-Sex Couple

How are same-sex parents named on the final birth certificate?

• Parent and Parent

Can an international same-sex male couple obtain an initial birth certificate naming the biological father and Gestational Carrier?

• Yes, but a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity is required.

Can they subsequently obtain a birth certificate naming only the biological father or both fathers, with no mention of the Gestational Carrier?

• Yes, with a post-birth adoption.

Can the non-biological parent in a same-sex couple obtain a second parent adoption based solely on the fact that the child was born in Massachusetts (i.e., neither of the Intended Parents lives in Massachusetts)?

• Yes, but it depends on the judge. It must be filed in the county where the Gestational Carrier resides.

Second Parent &* Stepparent Adoptions Massachusetts Residents

Note: This situation typically arises if the child is born outside the state.  The parents then return to Massachusetts to obtain a second parent adoption or stepparent adoption in Massachusetts.

Will courts in Massachusetts grant second parent adoptions or stepparent adoptions to heterosexual couples living in Massachusetts?

• Yes

Does the couple need to be married?

• No

Will courts in Massachusetts grant second parent adoptions or stepparent adoptions to same-sex couples living in Massachusetts?

• Yes

Does the couple need to be married?

• No

Egg & Sperm Donation

Is there a statute or published case law that addresses the rights of a donor over the resulting eggs, sperm, embryo or child? Yes. Mass. G.L. c. 46, § 4B states, “Any child born to a married woman as a result of artificial insemination with the consent of her husband, shall be considered the legitimate child of the mother and such husband.”

If the statute only refers to sperm donors, is there a case law interpreting this statute to provide the same protection in the egg donor context? Not specifically. However, Goodridge v. Dept. of Public Health (2003) stands for the principle that, pursuant to the Massachusetts Constitution, all statutes must be read as gender-neutral. In addition, in the case Adoption of a Minor, 471 Mass. 373, 376 (2015), the opinion states “We also understand G. L. c. 46, § 4B, which refers specifically to ‘artificial insemination,’ to include parentage of a child born though the use of any assisted reproductive technology,” (citing to Okoli v. Okoli, 81 Mass. App. Ct. 371, 377 (2012)) which likely broadens the meaning of the statute and helps to apply the statute to egg donation as well.

Traditional Surrogacy in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, Traditional Surrogacy agreements are very restrictive and not commonly enforced by the courts. Although a Traditional Surrogate must wait at least four days after the delivery of the child to give her consent to relinquish her rights and the placement of the child, she can place the child immediately with the Intended Parents. If the Intended Father is not biologically related to the child, then a full-blown adoption must be completed.

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