Germany Makes Historic Decision
Surrogacy laws vary across not only states but nations. Many intended parents from outside of the United States seek to partner with American surrogates due to restrictions on surrogacy within their home countries. While some countries outright prohibit surrogacy, others ride the fence.
In a country with a long history of outlawing surrogacy, the German Supreme Court recently made a major decision that is opening doors for many intended parents.
The Case
In 2011, twins were delivered by a gestational carrier in Colorado to intended parents who were residents and citizens of Germany. A parentage judgment was granted to the intended parents, and they sought to have the parentage judgment recognized in Germany.
The lower courts in Germany ruled that the Colorado parentage judgment could not be recognized because surrogacy was against public order in the country. They noted that the gestational carrier’s rights had been violated and that the intended parents’ position as guardians and not legal parents was sufficient. The courts further argued that parentage could not be granted because the intended parents intentionally circumvented German laws and tried to establish their parentage to the twins through a “back door.”
That was not the end of the story, though. After a review, the German Supreme Court reversed those decisions and ruled in favor of the intended parents, acknowledging them as the legal parents for the twins. The high court noted that it was in the best interest of the children and for their protection. The court said children cannot be punished because their parents had them via surrogacy.
This was the first ruling of the German Supreme Court that recognized an American parentage judgment that established a German intended mother’s parental rights.
Looking Forward
This ruling changes a lot. It has paved the way for individuals and couples in Germany looking to grow or build their families through surrogacy. While one ruling doesn’t mean every state and nation is on the same page about surrogacy, change happens one decision at a time.
At Growing Generations, we work with International Reproductive Law Group (IRLG) to make sure our surrogates and intended parents are provided premier legal support.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward parenthood, learn more about our full-service surrogacy program.
