Whether you’re hoping to grow your family or become a surrogate, understanding how Connecticut’s surrogacy legal process works is an important first step.
Connecticut has clear laws that recognize and protect the rights of both intended parents and gestational surrogates. And with American Surrogacy by your side, you’ll have a surrogacy specialist and legal professional helping you navigate every detail from start to finish.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what Connecticut surrogacy law covers, including contract requirements, LGBTQ+ protections and legal considerations for termination. When you're ready to move forward, we’re here to help you take that next step.
Connecticut Surrogacy Laws: Starting Your Journey in a Surrogacy-Friendly State
Connecticut law clearly supports gestational surrogacy.
Under the Connecticut Parentage Act (sections 46b-450 through 46b-553), intended parents are recognized as their child’s legal parents from the very beginning. Section 7-48a also requires their names to appear on the birth certificate. This means that when your baby is born, your parentage is already legally in place.
Thanks to this strong legal foundation, Connecticut is a trusted and reliable state for both intended parents and surrogates.
Is Paid Surrogacy Legal in Connecticut?
Yes, paid surrogacy is legal in Connecticut. State laws neither prohibit nor restrict surrogate compensation. That means surrogates can receive financial support that honors their time, effort and commitment.
As a national agency, we work with intended parents and surrogates across the U.S., including Connecticut. If you want to match with a hopeful family in this state, we can help you get started.
Learn more about surrogate compensation and its role in your journey.
Are Surrogacy Contracts Enforceable in Connecticut?
Yes. Surrogacy contracts are enforceable in Connecticut if they meet specific requirements:
The contract must be written and signed by the intended parents, surrogate and her spouse (if applicable). Each party must have their own surrogacy attorney. The surrogate must be at least 21, have given birth before and pass medical and psychological screening. The intended parents must be adults who complete screenings and legal consultations. The contract must state that the surrogate won’t be a parent, the intended parents assume full parental rights, how compensation is handled and how medical decisions will be made.
Your surrogacy specialist and attorney will ensure that the contract reflects your intentions and complies with state law.
Surrogacy Contract Checklist
Here’s what should be included in a surrogacy contract:
Compensation for the surrogate, reimbursements and handling of unexpected costs. Who makes decisions about embryo transfers, selective reduction, pregnancy termination or cesarean delivery? Wellness expectations, travel restrictions and communication preferences. How and when the intended parents will be recognized as the child’s legal guardians. Clear methods for resolving disagreements—without jeopardizing the journey. What happens if one party needs to end the agreement early?
With American Surrogacy as your guide, you’ll never be left wondering if you missed something important. We partner with experienced surrogacy attorneys who can ensure your contract is comprehensive and legally sound.
When Do I Need a Surrogacy Contract in Connecticut?
Connecticut law requires the surrogacy contract to be signed before any medical procedures begin. This means you’ll need to match with a surrogate or hopeful parents first.
Curious how long it takes to get to that point? Learn more about the surrogacy timeline.
Where Do I Sign My Surrogacy Contract?
Contracts should be signed in the municipality where the intended parents or surrogate live. While the signing doesn’t have to happen in Connecticut, it must take place in front of a notary or authorized official.
Common places to find notary services include:
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Banks
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UPS Stores
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Online notary platforms
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Local government offices
You’re Not Alone: How American Surrogacy Will Support You During the Contract Stage
Your surrogacy contract is a big milestone — and we’re here to help you through it. We’ll coordinate with your attorney to make sure every detail aligns with your wishes and Connecticut surrogacy law.
Explaining complex legal language in plain terms Assisting with contract negotiations and feedback loops Coordinating timelines between medical and legal milestones Ensuring all documentation is signed and submitted on time Connecting you with a surrogacy attorney near you How We Help You
You can be confident that we carefully review each state’s legal requirements before we even show you a match. Our goal is to eliminate or reduce any possible setbacks.
LGBTQ+ Surrogacy Laws in Connecticut and Our Inclusive Services
Connecticut’s surrogacy laws support LGBTQ+ couples and individuals. Here’s how:
On the birth certificate, you'll be listed as "Parent" and "Parent." Married and unmarried LGBTQ+ couples are eligible to get pre-birth orders, even if neither parent is biologically related to the child. This option is available to both married and unmarried LGBTQ+ couples. Unmarried couples may need a home study and must be in a committed relationship.
American Surrogacy supports all family-building journeys and offers inclusive services designed for LGBTQ+ hopeful parents.
Abortion Laws in Connecticut and Surrogacy Contract Termination Agreements
Abortion is legal in Connecticut up to fetal viability, which is about 23 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. After that, it’s only allowed if the surrogate’s life or health is at risk.
Every surrogacy contract will include a termination agreement. This is a critical part of the legal process and ensures all parties are on the same page when it comes to medical decisions.
If local abortion laws don’t align with your needs, working with American Surrogacy means you can pursue a surrogacy journey in another state that better supports your goals.
Surrogacy Laws for Establishing Parentage in Connecticut: How It Works
Connecticut offers clear paths to establish legal parentage through:
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Pre-birth orders (for married/unmarried couples and single parents, regardless of genetic connection)
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Post-birth orders (mainly used in traditional surrogacy, which is rare)
LGBTQ+ couples can access either route based on their needs and relationship status.
How to Get a Pre-Birth Order
Here’s how to get a pre-birth order in Connecticut:
Your attorney will prepare all necessary legal documents. Your attorney will file the request for a pre-birth order on your behalf. A hearing is required in Connecticut, and all parties must attend. It typically takes place during the second or third trimester. You can expect to receive your child’s birth certificate about six to eight weeks after delivery.
International Surrogacy Laws: What if I Live in a Different Country?
Connecticut doesn’t have laws specifically for international parents. But if you live outside the U.S., the existing surrogacy laws still apply to your journey.
With American Surrogacy, we can help you find a surrogate in the U.S. and guide you through every legal step.
The Role of a Surrogacy Attorney in Connecticut
Working with an experienced surrogacy attorney can bring clarity and reassurance to a process that may feel overwhelming at times. Whether you're an intended parent or a surrogate, your attorney is there to safeguard your interests and guide you through every legal step.
Your surrogacy attorney will:
Draft and review your surrogacy contract Represent you during contract negotiations Help you file for a pre-birth or post-birth order Ensure you meet every legal requirement under Connecticut surrogacy law
We partner with experienced attorneys across Connecticut and can help connect you with the right one.
Are you ready to connect with a surrogacy attorney?
How Much Does a Surrogacy Lawyer Cost?
Surrogacy attorney fees in Connecticut typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 and cover legal services for both the intended parents and the surrogate. The intended parents are responsible for covering the surrogate’s legal fees.
With American Surrogacy, your legal expenses are factored into your total program cost, so you won’t have to worry about surprise bills.
Find a Surrogacy Attorney Near Me
Here are four surrogacy attorneys in our trusted network:
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Law Offices of Robert T. Terenzio (Tampa and Miami, FL): Although based in Florida, Robert Terenzio is licensed to practice in Connecticut. He specializes in assisted reproduction, intercountry adoption, LGBTQ+ family formation, egg donation, embryo donation, sperm donation and surrogacy. He is a member of the American Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproductive Attorneys (AAAA).
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Donald B. Sherer Law Office (Stamford): Donald Sherer practices in Stamford and focuses on assisted reproduction, LGBTQ+ family formation, egg donation, embryo donation, sperm donation and surrogacy. He has been an AAAA member since 2001.
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The Ferrara Law Group PC (Fairfield): Victoria Ferrara has over 25 years of experience in reproductive law. She is a sustaining member of the American Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproductive Attorneys and focuses on assisted reproduction, LGBTQ+ family formation, egg donation, embryo donation, sperm donation and surrogacy.
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Melissa B. Brisman, Esq. LLC (Montvale, NJ and New York, NY): Melissa Brisman has offices in New Jersey and New York but is licensed to practice in Connecticut. She is internationally recognized in the field of reproductive law. Melissa has been an AAAA member since 2009.
Explore Our Surrogacy Programs in Connecticut and Find the Right Fit
We offer three programs to support different family-building needs.
Limited Risk Program
If you face setbacks like a surrogate not qualifying or a failed transfer, your fees are refunded or credited toward another attempt.
Foundation Program
This pay-as-you-go option keeps upfront costs lower. If your first transfer is successful, you could save significantly. If not, additional costs may apply.
Independent Surrogacy Program
Already matched with a surrogate? This program helps you skip unnecessary expenses while still accessing expert support and legal guidance.
FAQ: Legal Aspects of Surrogacy in Connecticut
Are insurance companies required to cover IVF in Connecticut?
Yes. In Connecticut, insurance companies are required to provide coverage for infertility treatments, including IVF. However, there are a few important limits to be aware of:
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Coverage includes up to 2 IVF cycles.
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You’ll need to meet certain criteria, like trying less expensive treatments first.
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Religious employers and self-insured plans are not required to offer this coverage.
Is an embryo considered a person in Connecticut?
No. Connecticut does not legally define embryos as people. Legal decisions focus on property rights and contract law instead.
Is traditional surrogacy legal in Connecticut?
Yes. However, it’s rarely practiced or recommended due to legal complexity and emotional risks. Most professionals support gestational surrogacy instead.
Do sperm and egg donors have parental rights?
No. Under the Connecticut Parentage Act (section 46b-491), sperm and egg donors in a legal arrangement do not have parental rights.
Is there an IVF Tax Credit?
No. However, qualified medical expenses — including IVF — can be deducted on your federal taxes if they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.
Start Your Surrogacy Journey in Connecticut
Connecticut’s surrogacy laws provide peace of mind for both intended parents and surrogates. With legally enforceable contracts, strong LGBTQ+ protections and access to experienced professionals, you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Why wait any longer? Let’s make your dream of parenthood a reality. Contact us today to speak with a surrogacy specialist.