Legislative Milestone in Iowa’s Surrogacy Landscape:
In Iowa, the absence of comprehensive surrogacy laws creates a unique environment for surrogacy, yet it remains a viable and legal family-building option.
Surrogacy Contracts
Establish rights and obligations of every party.
Establish potential risks and complications.
Establish Surrogate’s compensation and other financial information.
Parental Rights
Iowa courts grant pre-birth parentage orders, particularly when at least one Intended Parent is genetically related to the child. However, these orders are partial, and a post-birth process is required to finalize the surrogacy arrangement. Surrogates are considered the legal mothers until an Intended Father obtains a pre-birth order, and a post-birth parentage order or adoption may be necessary for non-genetically related Intended Parents.
Legal Rights of Surrogates:
All the rights and obligations of a Surrogate are regulated by the legal agreement.
Who Can Benefit from Surrogacy in IA?
Single individuals with a genetic link to a child
Heterosexual couples with a genetic link to a child
Same-sex couples with a genetic link to a child
Surrogacy Environment in Iowa:
In Iowa, while the legal landscape around surrogacy may lack specific statutory guidance, the established practices and judicial support make surrogacy a feasible and legally protected option for family building.
Advantages of Surrogacy in IA
Surrogacy in Iowa is legal, with courts generally favoring the surrogacy process for both Intended Parents and Surrogates. A specific "surrogate mother arrangement" exemption from criminal provisions underscores the legality of surrogacy, emphasizing the state's favorable stance.
