Single intended fathers
A single intended father generally uses donor eggs and a gestational carrier. Embryo creation, donor selection and transfer planning are handled with the fertility clinic.
Single intended mothers
A single intended mother may use her own eggs or donor eggs and donor sperm depending on her medical circumstances and treatment plan. A gestational carrier may be used when carrying a pregnancy is not possible or not advisable.
Parentage is not determined by a state label
A state commonly described as surrogacy-friendly does not automatically guarantee a particular parentage order or birth-certificate outcome for every single intended parent. The applicable statute, jurisdiction, genetic relationship and other facts can change the procedure.
Prepare a support plan
Before delivery, consider parental leave, travel, newborn care, emergency backup and who can help during the first weeks at home. These practical issues can matter as much as the administrative steps.
Questions for your attorney
- Which jurisdiction will handle parentage?
- Does genetic relationship affect the procedure?
- Is the filing made before or after birth?
- How will vital records handle the birth certificate?
- Are additional recognition steps advisable if I live elsewhere?
Detailed single-parent guide · Surrogacy law by state · Legal process