Is compensated surrogacy legal in Washington, D.C.?
Yes. D.C.'s Collaborative Reproduction Amendment Act reversed the prior ban on compensated surrogacy, replacing it with a detailed framework of protections.
Are pre-birth parentage orders available?
Yes. Pre-birth orders are available under D.C.'s current law.
What the law requires
Written agreement
A surrogacy contract meeting statutory requirements, executed before medical procedures begin.
Independent legal counsel
Required for both parties, with costs covered by the intended parents.
Health & life insurance
The law specifically requires health and life insurance coverage for the surrogate.
Right to make medical decisions
The surrogate's right to make her own health care decisions is explicitly protected in the statute.
"D.C.'s law includes some of the most explicit surrogate protections in the country — a direct result of the legislative debate that preceded it."
Who can be an intended parent in D.C.
D.C.'s law applies broadly to single individuals, married couples, and same-sex couples alike.
What this means for you as a surrogate
Washington D.C. offers strong, modern legal protections for surrogates. As always, your independent attorney will confirm the details specific to your agreement.