Mother-Father language: Alabama parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Alabama does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Alabama does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy falls into a legal grey area in Alabama and is treated as legal because there is no law banning it. Courts will usually grant pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents, but those orders have to be finalized after birth.

Donor-Conception: Because Alabama does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to the mother’s husband in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Alabama does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit states’ ability to protect embryonic children. However, it does have laws protecting the IVF industry from civil or criminal liability, taking away justice for embryonic children who are wrongfully destroyed.

Natural Marriage: Although Alabama’s constitution has strong language recognizing natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman), the state redefined marriage in 2019 to include same-sex marriage. When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Alabama allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes fault-based grounds. The waiting period is very short (typically 30 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Alabama does not require any sort of parental education regarding the impact of divorce on children

Mother-Father language: Alaska parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Alaska does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Alaska law does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, but courts have, in a few notable cases, allowed for third-parent adoption.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy falls into a legal grey area in Alaska and is treated as legal because there is no law banning it. Courts will usually grant pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents.

Donor conception: Because Alaska does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to the mother’s husband in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Alaska does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Alaska’s constitution and marriage laws recognize natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman.) Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Alaska allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes fault-based grounds. The waiting period is very short (typically 30 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Alaska courts require parental education on the impact of divorce on children before finalization, but requirements vary by location.

Mother-Father language: Arizona parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Arizona does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Arizona does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Arizona law bans surrogacy contracts, but an Arizona Supreme Court ruling created a pathway for commissioning parents to obtain parental rights through the courts. Courts typically grant pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents.

Donor conception: Because Arizona does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to the unrelated spouse in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Arizona does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Arizona recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Arizona is a no-fault divorce state and does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce. The waiting period is short (60 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is required, and any divorce case involving children may be transferred to conciliation court if the court believes the child would be harmed by the divorce.

Mother-Father language: Arkansas parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Arkansas does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Arkansas does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Arkansas law creates a legal framework for genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother), and gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) is also practiced. When the baby is born, the surrogate mother is listed as the mother, but a new birth certificate is issued when ordered by a court.

Donor conception: Because Arkansas does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to the mother’s husband in cases of donor conception. This led to presumption of paternity being applied to same-sex couples under the U.S. Supreme Court ruling Pavan v. Smith.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Arkansas does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Arkansas recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Arkansas is a no-fault divorce state and does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce. The waiting period is short (60 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Courts may order parental education on the impact of divorce on children, but is not required in all cases.

Mother-Father language: California parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under California’s surrogacy law, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: California law allows more than two adults to be legally treated as a child’s parents if a court decides it is in the child’s best interest to do so, exposing children to the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) is legal in California. Although the law does not address genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother), it is practiced in the state. California grants pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents before the birth of the child.

Donor conception: Because California does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to the unrelated spouse in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: California redefines infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. However, it does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: California’s constitution treats marriage as a gender-neutral contract rather than recognizing natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman). When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: California is a no-fault divorce state and does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce. The state has a six-month waiting period, providing the opportunity for reflection and reducing “heat of the moment” divorces. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is not required.

Mother-Father Language: Although Colorado parentage law uses mother and father language, it also clarifies that these terms are meant to be applied in a gender-neutral fashion, denying the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Colorado’s surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Colorado does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Both gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) and genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) are legal in Colorado, and the state grants pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents before the birth of the child.

Donor Conception: Colorado became the first state in the nation to pass a law banning anonymous sperm and egg donation in 2022. Colorado is also the only state in the nation to place limits on how often a donor’s sperm or eggs can be used, requiring clinics and gamete banks to make a “good faith effort” to ensure that no more than 25 families use gametes from one donor—a good start, but a number that is still high enough for donor-conceived children to have dozens of half-siblings they learn about later in life. Despite these positive developments, “donor” parents are still allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. Additionally, the child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to unrelated “intended parents” in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Colorado redefines infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. Colorado law also establishes a “right” to reproductive healthcare that includes the right to use, destroy, or donate embryos.

Natural Marriage: In 2024, voters removed language recognizing natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) from Colorado’s constitution. When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Colorado is a no-fault divorce state and does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Courts may order parental education on the impact of divorce on children, but is not required in all cases.

Mother-Father Language: Connecticut parentage law replaces terms like “mother” and “father” with gender-neutral language, denying the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Connecticut’s surrogacy law, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Connecticut law allows courts to determine that a child has more than two legal parents, exposing children to the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Both gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) and genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) are legal in Connecticut, and the state grants pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents before the birth of the child.

Donor conception: Connecticut law allows individuals conceived via sperm and egg donation to request identifying information about their “donor” parents upon turning 18, unless if the parent has opted out of identity disclosure. Because of this carveout, the law actually reinforces sperm and egg donor anonymity in many cases, meaning donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Additionally, donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to unrelated “intended parents” in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Connecticut does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: While Connecticut has not constitutionally legitimized same sex marriage, husband and wife language was removed from the definition of marriage. When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Connecticut allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes fault-based grounds. The waiting period is short (90 days) and may be waived, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is required.

Mother-Father language: Delaware parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Delaware’s surrogacy law, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Delaware law allows a third-party to obtain the status of a “de facto parent”, exposing children to the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) is legal in Delaware. Although the law does not address genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother), it is practiced in the state. Delaware grants pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents, but they are stayed until birth.

Donor conception: Because Delaware does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to the unrelated spouse in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Delaware does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit states’ ability to protect embryonic children. However, it does have laws protecting the IVF industry from legal action, taking away justice for embryonic children who are wrongfully destroyed.

Natural marriage: Delaware has legalized same-sex marriage, rather than maintaining language that recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman.) When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Delaware allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes fault-based grounds. The state has a six-month waiting period, providing the opportunity for reflection and reducing “heat of the moment” divorces. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is required.

Mother-Father language: District of Columbia parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Intent-based parentage: Under Washington D.C.’s surrogacy law, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Washington D.C.’s laws allow a third-party to obtain the status of a “de facto parent”, exposing children to the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Both gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) and genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) are legal in Washington D.C., and the district grants pre-birth orders for gestational surrogacy, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents before the birth of the child. Pre-birth orders are available for genetic surrogacy, but they must be finalized after birth.

Donor conception: Because Washington D.C. does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to the unrelated spouse in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Washington D.C. redefines infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. However, it does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Washington D.C. has legalized same-sex marriage, rather than maintaining language that recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman.) When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Washington D.C. is a no-fault divorce jurisdiction and does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is not required.

Mother-Father language: Florida parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Florida does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Flordia does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Florida law allows gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) in cases when the commissioning mother is physically unable to carry a pregnancy to term. It also allows genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother), which it refers to as “pre-planned adoption.” In both cases, payment is technically limited to pregnancy-related expenses, but the wording is broad and easily used to pay tens of thousands of dollars above directly pregnancy-related expenses. Pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents, can be sought, but may not be finalized until after the birth of the child.

Donor conception: Because Florida does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donor anonymity of frequency, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history, and donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings. Florida does limit payment that “donor” parents can receive in exchange for parental rights to their future offspring to “only reasonable compensation directly related to” the donation of eggs and sperm, but does not define “reasonable compensation.” The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to the mother’s husband in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Florida does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Florida recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Florida is a no-fault divorce state and does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce. The waiting period is very short (20 days, but sometimes longer when minor children are involved), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is required.

Mother-Father language: Georgia parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Georgia does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Georgia does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy falls into a legal grey area in Georgia and is treated as legal because there is no law banning it. Courts will usually grant pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents.

Donor conception: Because Georiga does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to the unrelated spouse in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Georgia does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children—although it does have a law stating that Georgia Code should be construed as prohibiting or preventing a person from obtaining IVF.

Natural marriage: Georgia recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Georgia allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes fault-based grounds. The waiting period is very short (30 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Most counties in Georgia require parental education on the impact of divorce on children before finalization, but requirements vary by location.

Mother-Father Language: Hawaii parentage law replaces terms like “mother” and “father” with gender-neutral language, denying the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Hawaii’s surrogacy law, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Hawaii law allows courts to determine that a child has more than two legal parents, exposing children to the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Both gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) and genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) are legal in Hawaii, and the state grants pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents before the birth of the child. Surrogate mothers may withdraw consent up to 72 hours after birth in cases of genetic surrogacy.

Donor conception: Because Hawaii does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to unrelated “intended parents” in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Hawaii does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Hawaii has legalized same-sex marriage, rather than maintaining language that recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman.) When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Hawaii is a no-fault divorce state and does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is required.

Mother-Father language: Idaho parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Idaho does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Idaho does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) is legal in Idaho, but genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) is banned. Idaho grants pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents, but they must be finalized after birth.

Donor conception: Idaho’s surrogacy law specifies that if a gamete donor wishes to remain anonymous, only non-identifying information will be shared, meaning donor-conceived individuals only have access to their biological identity if their “donor” parents allow them to. Additionally, donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to the mother’s husband in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Idaho does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships, such as same-sex couples and single individuals, as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right.”

Natural marriage: Idaho recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Idaho is a no-fault divorce state and does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce. The waiting period is very short (21 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Courts may order parental education on the impact of divorce on children, but is not required in all cases.

Mother-Father language: Illinois parentage law maintains some language referring to mothers and fathers, but has begun shifting toward gender-neutral language.

Intent-based parentage: Under Illinois surrogacy law, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Illinois does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Both gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) and genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) are legal in Illinois, and the state grants pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents before the birth of the child.

Donor conception: Because Illinois does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to unrelated “intended parents” in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Illinois redefines infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. While it does not have laws that directly declare IVF to be a right—a move that limits states’ ability to protect embryonic children—the Reproductive Health Act sets for a broad range of “reproductive rights” that could be interpreted to include IVF.

Natural marriage: Illinois has legalized same-sex marriage, rather than maintaining language that recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman.) When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Illinois is a no-fault divorce state and does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is technically required but can be waived by the court.

Mother-Father language: Indiana parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Indiana does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Indiana does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy contracts are unenforceable under Indiana law. However, surrogacy is still practiced in the state. Pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to the commissioning parents before birth are generally not granted, although there may be some exceptions.

Donor conception: Because Indiana does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings. Indiana limits payment that “donor” mothers can receive in exchange for parental rights to their future offspring by capping compensation for egg donation to $4000. No compensation limit exists for sperm donation.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Indiana does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Indiana law recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman). Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Indiana allows no-fault divorce, but also recognizes some fault-based grounds. The waiting period is short (60 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Some counties require parental education on the impact of divorce on children before finalization, but requirements vary by location.

Mother-Father language: Iowa parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Iowa allows parentage to be established on the basis of intent in the context of surrogacy. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Iowa does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Iowa allows gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) under state supreme court precedent. Genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) was not addressed in the ruling and is in a legally grey area with no law or case law banning it or allowing it. Pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents before the birth of the child, are sometimes granted, depending on the commissioning parents’ genetic relationship to the child.

Donor conception: Because Iowa does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Iowa does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Iowa law recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman). Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Iowa is a no-fault divorce state and does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce. The waiting period is short (90 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is technically required in cases involving child custody disputes, but can be waived by the court.

Mother-Father language: Kansas parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: In 2020, the Kansas Supreme Court allowed parentage to be established on the basis of intent in the context of assisted reproduction. This allows an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Kansas does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy falls into a legal grey area in Kansas and is treated as legal because there is no law banning it. Courts will usually grant pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents, but only if the intended parents used their own sperm and egg.

Donor conception: Because Kansas does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because the mother’s husband will automatically be granted parentage.

Natural marriage: Kansas recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Kansas allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes some fault-based grounds. The waiting period is very short (60 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is not required.

Mother-Father language: Kentucky parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Kentucky does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Kentucky does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) falls into a legal grey area in Kentucky and is treated as legal because there is no law banning it, but genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) is banned. Kentucky generally grants pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents, as long as at least one parent is genetically related to the child.

Donor conception: Because Kentucky does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Kentucky does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Kentucky recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Kentucky allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes fault-based grounds. The waiting period is very short (30 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Some legal circuits require parental education on the impact of divorce on children before finalization, but requirements vary by location.

Mother-Father language: Louisiana parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Louisiana does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Louisiana allows “dual paternity” in some circumstances, and the state supreme court upheld a three-way custody agreement, potentially opening the door to polyparenting—an arrangement that exposes children to the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Louisiana allows altruistic (unpaid) gestational surrogacy as long as the commissioning parents are married to each other and use their own sperm and eggs. Orders granting parentage can only be obtained after birth.

Donor conception: Because Louisiana does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because the mother’s husband will automatically be granted parentage.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Louisiana does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: The Louisiana constitution recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman). Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Louisiana allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes fault-based grounds. The state has a six-month waiting period, which is extended to 12 months in cases involving minor children, providing the opportunity for reflection and reducing “heat of the moment” divorces. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is not required.

Mother-Father Language: Maine parentage law replaces terms like “mother” and “father” with gender-neutral language, denying the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Maine’s surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Maine law allows courts to determine that a child has more than two legal parents, exposing children to the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Maine allows gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs), and allows genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) only when the surrogate mother is entering into an agreement with a family member. The Maine Supreme Court ruled in 2016 that the commissioning parents, not the birth mother, should be listed on a surrogate child’s birth certificate.

Donor conception: Because Maine does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to unrelated “intended parents” in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Maine has expanded its definition of infertility to include non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Maine has legalized same-sex marriage, rather than maintaining language that recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman.) When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Maine allows no-fault divorce, but also recognizes some fault-based grounds. The waiting period is short (60 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education may be required by the court, but is not mandatory in all cases.

Mother-Father Language: Although Maryland parentage law uses mother and father language, it also clarifies that these terms are meant to be applied in a gender-neutral fashion, denying the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Maryland does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Maryland Supreme Court precedent established a category for a third “de facto parent” when both parents consent, opening the door to polyparenting—an arrangement that exposes children to the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Maryland allows gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) under state supreme court precedent. Genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) was not addressed in the ruling and is in a legally grey area with no law or case law banning it or allowing it. The state grants pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents before the birth of the child.

Donor conception: Because Maryland does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to the unrelated spouse in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Maryland redefines infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural Marriage: In 2024, language referring to husbands and wives was removed from Maryland’s marriage laws. When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Maryland is a no-fault divorce state and does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Courts may order parental education on the impact of divorce on children, but it is not required in all cases.

Mother-Father Language: Massachusetts parentage law replaces terms like “mother” and “father” with gender-neutral language, denying the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Massachusetts surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Massachusetts law allows courts to determine that a child has more than two legal parents, exposing children to the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Both gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) and genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) are legal in Massachusetts. The state grants pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents, although such orders cannot be finalized until after birth in cases of genetic surrogacy.

Donor conception: Because Massachusetts does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to unrelated “intended parents” in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Massachusetts does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Massachusetts does not explicitly recognize natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its Constitution or statutes as the only marriage arrangement. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Massachusetts allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes fault-based grounds. The state has a six-month waiting period, providing the opportunity for reflection and reducing “heat of the moment” divorces. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is technically required, but can be waived by the court.

Mother-Father language: Michigan parentage law contains a mix of language referring to mothers and fathers and gender-neutral “parentage” language which denies the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Michigan surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Michigan does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Both gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) and genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) are legal in Michigan. The state grants pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents before birth.

Donor conception: Because Michigan does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to unrelated “intended parents” in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Michigan does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Michigan recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Michigan is a no-fault divorce state and does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce. The state has a six-month waiting period, providing the opportunity for reflection and reducing “heat of the moment” divorces. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is not required.

Mother-Father language: Minnesota parentage law contains a mix of language referring to mothers and fathers and gender-neutral “parentage” language, which denies the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Minnesota does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Minnesota does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy falls into a legal grey area in Minnesota and is treated as legal because there is no law banning it. Minnesota Vital Records provides a process for issuing a birth certificate with the intended parents' names, which must be finalized after birth.

Donor conception: Because Minnesota does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to unrelated “intended parents” in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Minnesota does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single indivuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. While it does not have laws that directly declare IVF to be a right—a move that limits states’ ability to protect embryonic children—the “PRO” Act creates a right to “reproductive healthcare” that could be interpreted to include IVF.

Natural Marriage: In 2012, voters removed language recognizing natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) from Minnesota’s constitution. When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Minnesota is a no-fault divorce state and does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Courts may order parental education on the impact of divorce on children, but it is not required in all cases.

Mother-Father language: Mississippi parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Mississippi does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Mississippi does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy falls into a legal grey area in Mississippi and is treated as legal because there is no law banning it. Pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents before birth, can sometimes be obtained, but post-birth orders are more common.

Donor conception: Because Mississippi does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because the mother’s husband will automatically be granted parentage.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Mississippi does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: The Mississippi constitution recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman). Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Mississippi allows no-fault divorce, but also recognizes some fault-based grounds. The waiting period is short (60 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on minors is not required.

Mother-Father language: Missouri parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Missouri does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Missouri does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy falls into a legal grey area in Missouri and is treated as legal because there is no law banning it. Pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents before birth, can sometimes be obtained, but post-birth orders are more common.

Donor conception: Because Missouri does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because the mother’s husband will automatically be granted parentage.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Missouri does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Missouri recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Missouri allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes some fault-based grounds. The waiting period is very short (30 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is required in all cases involving the custody of a minor child.

Mother-Father language: Montana parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Montana does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Montana does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy falls into a legal grey area in Montana and is treated as legal because there is no law banning it. Pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth may be granted, as long as at least one parent is genetically related to the child.

Donor conception: Because Montana does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because the mother’s husband will automatically be granted parentage.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Montana does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Montana’s constitution recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman). Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Montana is a no-fault divorce state and does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is required.

Mother-Father language: Nebraska parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Nebraska does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Nebraska does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Under Nebraska law, commercial surrogacy contracts are considered void and unenforceable. The child's genetic father is recognized as the father at birth, and any other "intended parent" must pursue parentage through second-parent adoption. Pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth are not granted.

Donor conception: Because Nebraska does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because the mother’s husband will automatically be granted parentage.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Nebraska does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Nebraska’s constitution recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman). Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Nebraska is a no-fault divorce state and does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce. The waiting period is short (60 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on minors is required, but failure to participate will not delay divorce proceedings by more than six months.

Mother-Father language: Nevada parentage law replaces terms like “mother” and “father” with gender-neutral language, denying the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Nevada’s surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Nevada law allows courts to determine that a child has more than two legal parents, exposing children to the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) is legal in Nevada. Genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) is banned. Nevada grants pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth.

Donor conception: Because Nevada does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to unrelated “intended parents” in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Nevada does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Nevada has legalized same-sex marriage, rather than maintaining language that recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman.) When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Nevada is a no-fault divorce state and recognizes very limited fault-based grounds for divorce. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Some counties require parental education on the impact of divorce on children before finalization, but requirements vary by location.

Mother-Father Language: New Hampshire parentage law replaces terms like “mother” and “father” with gender-neutral language, denying the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under New Hampshire surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: New Hampshire does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) is legal in New Hampshire, but genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) falls into a legal grey area, with no laws declaring it legal or illegal. Pre-birth orders granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents before birth are granted.

Donor conception: Because New Hampshire does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because the mother’s husband will automatically be granted parentage.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: New Hampshire does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: New Hampshire has legalized same-sex marriage, rather than maintaining language that recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman.) When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: New Hampshire allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes some fault-based grounds. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is required.

Mother-Father language: New Jersey parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under New Jersey surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: New Jersey law does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents. However, the New Jersey Superior Court granted joint legal custody to three adults who were raising a child in a “tri-parenting” agreement in 2015, potentially opening the door to polyparenting—an arrangement that exposes children to the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) is legal in New Jersey, but genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) falls into a legal grey area, with no laws declaring it legal or illegal. Pre-birth orders granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents before birth are granted.

Donor conception: Because New Jersey does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to the unrelated spouse in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: New Jersey redefines infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: New Jersey has legalized same-sex marriage, rather than maintaining language that recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman.) When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: New Jersey allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes some fault-based grounds. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is required but may be waived by the court.

Mother-Father language: New Mexico parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under New Mexico surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: New Mexico does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy falls into a legal grey area in New Mexico, with New Mexico law stating that it is neither legal nor illegal. Pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth are generally granted.

Donor conception: Because New Mexico does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to unrelated “intended parents” in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: New Mexico does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: New Mexico law treats marriage as a gender-neutral contract rather than recognizing natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman). When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: New Mexico allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes some fault-based grounds. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is not required.

Mother-Father Language: With few exceptions, New York parentage law replaces terms like “mother” and “father” with gender-neutral language, denying the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under New York surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: New York does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, although it is worth noting that a district court in New York granted joint custody to three adults in a romantic relationship who were raising a child together.

Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) is legal in New York. Genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) falls into a legal grey area, with no laws declaring it legal or illegal. Pre-birth orders granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents before birth are granted.

Donor conception: Because New York does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to unrelated “intended parents” in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: New York does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: New York has legalized same-sex marriage, rather than maintaining language that recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman.) When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: New York allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes some fault-based grounds. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is not required.

Mother-Father language: North Carolina parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: North Carolina does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: While North Carolina does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, it does have a law allowing custody to be granted to two or more individuals, agencies, or organizations.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy falls into a legal grey area in North Carolina and is treated as legal because there is no law banning it. Pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth are generally granted.

Donor conception: Because North Carolina does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because the mother’s husband will automatically be granted parentage.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: North Carolina does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: North Carolina recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: North Carolina is a no-fault divorce state and recognizes very limited fault-based grounds for divorce. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is offered but not generally required.

Mother-Father language: North Dakota parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under North Dakota surrogacy law, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: North Dakota does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents. However, it does allow a third adult to gain custody if they acted in the role of a “psychological parent,” potentially opening the door to polyparenting—an arrangement that exposes children to the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) is legal in North Dakota, but genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) is banned. Pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth are generally granted.

Donor conception: Because North Dakota does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to the unrelated spouse in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: North Dakota does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: North Dakota recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: North Dakota is a no-fault divorce state but still recognizes fault-based grounds. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is not required.

Mother-Father language: Ohio parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Ohio surrogacy law, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Ohio does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents. However, it does allow a third adult to seek visitation rights, potentially opening the door to polyparenting—an arrangement that exposes children to the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: The Ohio Supreme Court allowed gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) in a 2007 ruling. The Court did not address genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother), leaving it in a legal grey area. Pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth are generally granted.

Donor conception: Because Ohio does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because the mother’s husband will automatically be granted parentage.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Ohio does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. A recent amendment to the state constitution includes a “right to make and carry out one’s own decisions” on fertility treatment. This could make it difficult for Ohio to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Ohio recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Ohio is a no-fault divorce state but still recognizes fault-based grounds for divorce. The waiting period is very short (30 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on minors may be required by the courts, but is not mandatory in all cases.

Mother-Father language: Oklahoma parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Oklahoma surrogacy law, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Oklahoma does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) is legal in Oklahoma. Genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) is in a legal grey area, with no laws declaring it legal or illegal. Oklahoma grants pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth.

Donor conception: Because Oklahoma does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because the mother’s husband will automatically be granted parentage.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Oklahoma does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Oklahoma recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Oklahoma is a no-fault divorce state but still recognizes fault-based grounds for divorce. The waiting period is very short (30 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on minors is required in all cases involving minor children.

Mother-Father language: Oregon parentage law replaces terms like “mother” and “father” with gender-neutral language, denying the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Oregon’s surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Oregon does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Both gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) and genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) are legal in Oregon. The state grants pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents before birth.

Donor conception: Oregon became the second state to ban sperm and egg donor anonymity in 2025, when it passed a law requiring fertility clinics and gamete banks to maintain registries of donor parents and release identifying information to donor-conceived individuals once they turn 18. Because Oregon does not have laws addressing donation frequency or payment, donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to the unrelated spouse in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Oregon does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural Marriage: Oregon’s constitution recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman). However, in 2023, the state legalized same-sex marriage. When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Oregon is a no-fault divorce state and recognizes very limited fault-based grounds for divorce. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Some counties require parental education on the impact of divorce on children before finalization, but requirements vary by location.

Mother-Father language: Pennsylvania parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court established a category of “intent-based parentage” in 2025, allowing an adult to gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Pennsylvania does not have statutes or case law redefining the family to allow more than two parents. However, a third-party who may file for legal or physical custody, potentially opening the door to polyparenting—an arrangement that exposes children to the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) is treated as legal under an unpublished Pennsylvania Supreme Court opinion. The Court did not address genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother), leaving it in a legal grey area. Pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth are generally granted.

Donor conception: Because Pennsylvania does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Pennsylvania does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Pennsylvania law recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman). Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Pennsylvania is a no-fault divorce state but still recognizes fault-based grounds for divorce. The waiting period is short (90 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on minors is required in some counties, but not all.

Mother-Father Language: With few exceptions, Rhode Island parentage law replaces terms like “mother” and “father” with gender-neutral language, denying the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Rhode Island’s surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Rhode Island does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Rhode Island allows gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs), and allows genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) only when the surrogate mother is entering into an agreement with a relative. Pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth are granted.

Donor conception: Rhode Island law allows individuals conceived via sperm and egg donation to request identifying information about their “donor” parents upon turning 18, unless if the parent has opted out of identity disclosure. Because of this carveout, the law actually reinforces sperm and egg donor anonymity in many cases, meaning donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Additionally, donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to unrelated “intended parents” in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Rhode Island does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural Marriage: Same-sex marriage has been legalized in Rhode Island. When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Rhode Island allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes some fault-based grounds. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is not required.

Mother-Father language: South Carolina parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: South Carolina does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: South Carolina does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy falls into a legal grey area in South Carolina and is treated as legal because there is no law banning it. Pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth are generally granted.

Donor conception: Because South Carolina does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: South Carolina does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural Marriage: South Carolina’s constitution recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman). Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: South Carolina law allows no-fault divorce, but also recognizes fault-based grounds. No-fault divorces require a one-year period of separation before filing. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is not required.

Mother-Father language: South Dakota parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: South Dakota does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: South Dakota does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy falls into a legal grey area in South Dakota and is treated as legal because there is no law banning it. Pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth are generally granted.

Donor conception: Because South Dakota does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: South Dakota does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: South Dakota recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: South Dakota is a no-fault divorce state but still recognizes fault-based grounds for divorce. The waiting period is short (60 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is required in cases involving child custody, but may be waived by the court.

Mother-Father language: Tennessee parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Tennessee does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Tennessee does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy falls into a legal grey area in Tennessee and is treated as legal because there is no law banning it. Pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth are generally granted.

Donor conception: Because Tennessee does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because the mother’s husband will automatically be granted parentage.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Tennessee does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. In 2025, Tennessee passed a law declaring IVF to be a “right.” This could make it difficult for Tennessee to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Tennessee recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Tennessee is a no-fault divorce state but still recognizes fault-based grounds for divorce. The waiting period is short (90 days in cases involving minor children), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is required in all cases with parents entering into a parenting plan, but this may be waived, and the divorce cannot be denied if one parent fails to attend classes.

Mother-Father language: Texas parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Texas surrogacy law, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Texas does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Texas law allows gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) in limited cases, such as when the commissioning mother is physically unable to carry a pregnancy to term. Genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) is in a legal grey area, with no laws declaring it legal or illegal. Pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth are granted.

Donor conception: Because Texas does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because the mother’s husband will automatically be granted parentage.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Texas does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural Marriage: Texas’s constitution recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman), as does its statutes. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Texas is a no-fault divorce state but still recognizes fault-based grounds for divorce. The waiting period is short (60 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Courts may require parental education on the impact of divorce on children, but it is not mandatory in all cases.

Mother-Father language: Utah parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Utah surrogacy law, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Utah does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Utah law allows gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs). Genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) is in a legal grey area, with no laws declaring it legal or illegal. Pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth are granted.

Donor conception: Utah law allows individuals conceived via sperm and egg donation to request identifying information about their “donor” parents upon turning 18, unless if the parent has opted out of identity disclosure. Because of this carveout, the law actually reinforces sperm and egg donor anonymity in many cases, meaning donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Additionally, donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because the mother’s husband will automatically be granted parentage.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Utah does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Utah recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Utah is a no-fault divorce state but still recognizes fault-based grounds for divorce. The waiting period is very short (30 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is required, but may be waived by the court.

Mother-Father Language: With few exceptions, Vermont parentage law replaces terms like “mother” and “father” with gender-neutral language, denying the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Vermont’s surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Vermont law allows courts to determine that a child has more than two legal parents, exposing children to the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Vermont allows gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs), and allows genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) when the surrogate mother is entering into an agreement with a relative. Pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth are granted.

Donor conception: Because Vermont does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to the unrelated spouse in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Vermont does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Vermont’s constitution does not recognize natural marriage as the only valid marriage arrangement. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Vermont allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes fault-based grounds. The state has a six-month waiting period, providing the opportunity for reflection and reducing “heat of the moment” divorces. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is required by the courts.

Mother-Father language: Virgina parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: While Virginia allows surrogacy, it requires that commissioning parents undergo a home study, meet the “standard of fitness applicable to adoptive parents”, and that there is a genetic relationship between the child and at least one commissioning parent, thus meeting a higher standard for establishing a parent-child relationship than mere intent.

Polyparenting: Virginia does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Virginia law allows surrogacy, but limits it to instances of medical infertility and prohibits payment beyond medical and pregnancy-related expenses. Genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) is allowed, but a genetic surrogate may terminate the contract within 180 days of assisted reproduction. Virginia is the only state to ban surrogacy brokers.

Donor conception: Because Virginia does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to the unrelated spouse in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Virginia does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural Marriage: Virginia’s constitution recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman), but state laws have been rewritten to define marriage as being between “two willing parties.” When marriage is redefined, parentage is also redefined—natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Virginia allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes fault-based grounds. The state has a six-month waiting period, which is extended to 12 months in cases involving minor children, providing the opportunity for reflection and reducing “heat of the moment” divorces. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is required in all cases involving contested child custody, child support, or visitation.

Mother-Father Language: With few exceptions, Washington parentage law replaces terms like “mother” and “father” with gender-neutral language, denying the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Washington’s surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Washington law allows courts to determine that a child has more than two legal parents, exposing children to the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Both gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) and genetic surrogacy (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother) are legal in Washington, and the state grants pre-birth orders, granting legal parentage to the commissioning parents before the birth of the child. Surrogate mothers may withdraw consent up to 72 hours after birth in cases of genetic surrogacy.

Donor conception: Washington requires fertility clinics and sperm and egg banks to make a “good faith effort” to provide identifying information about their “donor” parents to donor-conceived individuals upon turning 18, unless if the parent has opted out of identity disclosure. Because of this carveout, the law actually reinforces sperm and egg donor anonymity in many cases, meaning donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Additionally, donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to unrelated “intended parents” in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Washington does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It declares “reproductive healthcare services,” including assisted reproductive technologies, to be “protected healthcare.” This could prevent the state from protecting embryonic children.

Divorce: Washington is a no-fault divorce state and does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce. The waiting period is short (90 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is required.

Mother-Father language: West Virginia parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: West Virginia does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: West Virginia does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy falls into a legal grey area in West Virginia and is treated as legal because there is no law banning it. Pre-birth orders giving legal parentage to commissioning parents before birth are generally granted.

Donor conception: Because West Virginia does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because parentage is automatically granted to unrelated “intended parents” in cases of donor conception.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: West Virginia does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: West Virginia law recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman). Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: West Virginia allows no-fault divorce, but still recognizes some fault-based grounds. There is no required waiting period, limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children is required, but may be waived by the court.

Mother-Father language: Wisconsin parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Wisconsin does not have law or case law that establishes parentage on the basis of “intent.” Intent-based parentage typically appears in the context of assisted reproductive technologies and allows adults to legally establish a parent-child relationship with a biologically unrelated child without undergoing the adoption process.

Polyparenting: Wisconsin does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: The Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld a genetic surrogacy contract (when the surrogate mother is also the genetic mother), and gestational surrogacy (using the commissioning parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs) is implicitly allowed. Pre-birth orders granting legal parentage to commissioning parents are generally granted but must be finalized after birth.

Donor conception: Because Wisconsin does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because the mother’s husband will automatically be granted parentage.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Wisconsin does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Wisconsin recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman) in its constitution and laws. Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state and does not accept fault-based grounds. The waiting period is short (120 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children may be required by the court but is not mandatory in all cases.

Mother-Father language: Wyoming parentage law maintains language that refers to mothers and fathers, recognizing the biological reality that every child naturally has a mother and a father.

Intent-based parentage: Under Wyoming assisted reproduction law, parentage may be established on the basis of intent. This means that an adult may gain full parental rights without any biological relationship to the child or any background check.

Polyparenting: Wyoming does not redefine the family to allow more than two parents, protecting children from the risks and instability of having multiple unrelated adults in the home.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy agreements are unenforceable under Wyoming law, but the state still provides a process for granting parentage to commissioning parents at birth.

Donor conception: Because Wyoming does not have any laws addressing sperm and egg donation, donor-conceived individuals do not have access to their biological identity or family history. Donor-conceived children may have dozens or even hundreds of unknown half-siblings, and “donor” parents are allowed to sell their parental rights through gamete donation. The child’s birth certificate will not reflect their true parentage because the mother’s husband will automatically be granted parentage.

Redefinition of infertility and right to IVF: Wyoming does not redefine infertility to include so-called “social infertility”, which defines non-procreative relationships such as same-sex couples and single individuals as “infertile” based on lifestyle choices rather than medical conditions. It also does not have any laws declaring IVF to be a “right—which would limit the state’s ability to protect embryonic children.

Natural marriage: Wyoming law recognizes natural marriage (marriage between one man and one woman). Natural marriage protects a child’s relationship with the two adults from whom he came.

Divorce: Wyoming is a no-fault divorce state and does not accept fault-based grounds. The waiting period is very short (20 days), limiting opportunities for reconciliation and fast-tracking upheaval for the children involved. Parental education on the impact of divorce on children may be required by the court but is not mandatory in all cases.