Map of U.S. Surrogacy Laws

by Cathy Sakimura, Esq. | Nov 23, 2021 | Surrogacy, Parents, LGBT parents, Assisted reproduction

The U.S. does not regulate surrogacy on a federal level, so each state has its own laws about whether surrogacy is permitted and how it is regulated. In partnership with the Center for Genetics and Society and Surrogacy360, we have created a map and detailed narrative about surrogacy laws throughout the U.S., including whether and how intended parents can access surrogacy as well as the protections provided for the rights of people acting as surrogates. View the Map

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Voluntary Declarations of Parentage

by Shriya Bhindwale | May 5, 2020 | low-income, Parents, LGBT parents

A voluntary acknowledgment of parentage or voluntary declaration of parentage (also called a VAP, or VDOP in some states) is a document that establishes a legal relationship between a parent and a child. VAPs must be signed by the person who gave birth and the person establishing their parental rights. View PDF

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Legal Recognition of LGBTQ Families

by Dan Mahoney | Oct 2, 2013 | Federal Legislation, same-sex couples, LGBT parents, lesbian parents, child custody, parental rights, parentage, same-sex parents, school, adoption, Federal policy, Youth

This publication provides an overview of the legal rights of LGBTQ parents and their children in the United States. Download PDF

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Fact Sheet: Adoption by LGBTQ Parents

by Erik Olvera | Oct 2, 2013 | State legislation, same-sex couples, LGBT parents, child custody, parental rights, parentage, same-sex parents, adoption, Youth

A summary of state laws on second parent adoptions. Download PDF

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Parents who are LGBT, Same-Gender Loving, or Two Spirit: Protect Your Rights!

by Erik Olvera | Oct 2, 2013 | LGBT parents, lesbian parents, child custody, LGBT Asylum, same-sex parents

A brochure for LGBTQ parents about how to protect their rights. (English and Spanish) Open PDF

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Si Eres Padre De Familia Y LGBTQ O Tienes Una Relación Con Una Persona Del Mismo Sexo: ¡Protege Tus Derechos!

by Erik Olvera | Oct 2, 2013 | Marriage, same-sex couples, LGBT parents, lesbian parents, parental rights, parentage, same-sex parents, adoption

Una guía informative para padres de familias LGBTQ sobre cómo proteger sus derechos (Español e Inglés) Download PDF

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Protecting Families: Standards for LGBTQ Families

by Erik Olvera | Oct 1, 2013 | same-sex couples, LGBT parents, lesbian parents, parental rights, lgbt undocumented immigrant, marriage equality, parentage, same-sex parents, adoption, Youth

This publication provides guidelines for families and attorneys for protecting parent-child relationships and obtaining legal recognition of family ties. Download PDF

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AB 2356: Equal Access to Fertility Medical Care FAQs for Prospective Parents

by Cathy Sakimura, Esq. | Sep 16, 2013 | State legislation, same-sex couples, LGBT parents, lesbian parents, parental rights, parentage, same-sex parents

Learn more about the California law allowing providers to offer certain fertility services to people seeking to conceive using a known sperm donor. Download PDF

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Press Release

Kansas Supreme Court Rules to Protect the Interests of Children in All Families, Regardless of Parents’ Sexual Orientation

by NCLR Staff | Feb 22, 2013 | child custody, LGBT parents, lesbian parents, parental rights, parentage, adoption

(San Francisco, CA, February 22, 2013)—Today, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that when a same-sex couple has a child together, both parents can be fully recognized as parents under Kansas state law. The court explained that Kansas parentage laws apply equally to women and non-biological parents, and that courts must consider the reality of who a child’s parents are in order to protect the interests of children. The court also ruled that an agreement to co-parent and share custody can be...

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Blog

Bunk “Study” Defames Same-Sex Headed Households

by Kate Kendell, Esq. | Jun 14, 2012 | Uncategorized | Kate Kendell, lesbian mothers, gay dads, gay fathers, LGBT parents, lesbian moms, Parenting

Many times, when the anti-gay industry pops out with a new absurd lie, I simply sigh, remind myself of the arc of history, and move on. But the latest vicious volley landed, quite literally, too close to home. Earlier this week, a University of Texas sociologist named Mark Regnerus published a paper purporting to show that kids raised in same-sex households have poor outcomes as adults. His conclusion runs counter to 30-plus years of peer-reviewed research and contradicts the formal positions...

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