Iowa Surrogacy Laws

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Iowa Surrogacy Laws

Under Iowa case law, gestational surrogacy contracts are permitted and legally enforceable. The Iowa Supreme Court held that “gestational surrogacy agreements promote families by enabling infertile couples to raise their own children and help bring new life into this world through willing surrogate mothers,” (P.M. & C.M. v. T.B. & D.B. (Iowa 2018).). Traditional surrogacy in Iowa has been decriminalized under Iowa Code § 710.11.  

As a result, both types of surrogacy are permitted in Iowa and are practiced throughout cities like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport.

Laws Concerning Parentage Orders in Iowa

Iowa only allows for its courts to grant pre-birth parentage orders to Iowa’s intended fathers and biological fathers (Iowa Admin. Code 641-99.15(1440.).

Iowa statute provides guidance to establish parentage of a child who has been conceived as a result of a gestational surrogate arrangement depending on which intended parent is genetically related to the child (Id. 641-99.15.).

Egg and Sperm Donor Law in Iowa

There is no Iowa case law or any state statute that governs the rights, interests, and obligations of an Iowa egg donor, embryo donor, or sperm donor who donates through a licensed physician for the purposes of assisted reproduction.

Iowa Stepparent and Second-Parent Adoption Law

Iowa statute allows for a stepparent in Iowa to adopt their spouse’s child as long as they are married to the legal parent of the child and the stepparent has not been convicted of a drug offense, domestic abuse, or a crime against a child (I.C.A. § 600.8.).

Fertility Clinics in Iowa

Consult with Baby Steps Surrogacy Center, Inc.

Iowa surrogacy laws can easily throw hopeful parents and surrogates for a loop. That’s why it can be so helpful to reach out to Baby Steps Surrogacy Center, Inc. Simply call us at 412-281-9906 or click the contact buttons at the top of the page.