Connecticut House Bill HB05178

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/20
• Refer: 2/19/20

Caption

An Act Concerning Adoption And Implementation Of The Connecticut Parentage Act.

Impact

The act is expected to significantly impact family law in Connecticut by clarifying the rights and responsibilities of intended parents, particularly in non-traditional family structures involving assisted reproduction. Furthermore, it aims to ensure that children conceived via surrogacy or gamete donation have access to vital information about their genetic origins once they reach the age of eighteen. Legal obligations will be established for gamete banks and fertility clinics, enhancing the transparency of genetic information while safeguarding the rights of all parties involved.

Summary

House Bill 05178 aims to adopt and implement the Connecticut Parentage Act, which seeks to establish a clearer standard for legal parentage in cases of assisted reproduction and surrogacy. It introduces comprehensive definitions of parentage, including provisions for genetic surrogacy and the handling of gamete (sperm and egg) donations. The bill emphasizes the importance of identifying biological parents, particularly in cases where gamete banks and fertility clinics are involved, and provides new procedures for maintaining parentage records and medical histories related to donors.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding HB 05178 have highlighted concerns regarding the implications for traditional definitions of parentage. Some legislators and advocacy groups express apprehension that the extensive legal changes may undermine existing family laws by introducing complexities in cases involving multiple parents or consent issues. Critics fear the legislation might disproportionately affect traditional family dynamics and raise moral and ethical questions about the commercialization of reproduction. Nevertheless, supporters argue that the clarity and protections offered by the bill are necessary in a rapidly evolving social landscape where traditional family structures are no longer the norm.