The Michigan Surrogate Parenting Agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions between intended parents (individuals or couples) and a surrogate mother in Michigan. This agreement is entered into to allow for gestational surrogacy, a process where a surrogate mother carries a pregnancy for the intended parents using their own fertilized eggs or donated embryos. Michigan recognizes and upholds the rights of individuals or couples to have children through gestational surrogacy, as long as all parties involved comply with the legal requirements and guidelines set forth in the Michigan Surrogate Parenting Agreement. This agreement establishes the responsibilities, expectations, and rights of each party involved in the surrogacy arrangement. It covers various aspects such as: 1. Parental Rights: The agreement clearly states that the intended parents will be recognized as the legal parents of the child, both during and after birth. This ensures that the surrogate mother relinquishes any claim to the child. 2. Medical Procedures: The agreement specifies the medical procedures involved in the pregnancy journey, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer. It outlines the responsibilities of each party, including medical expenses, insurance coverage, and required medical treatments. 3. Pregnancy-Related Expenses: Financial matters are addressed in the agreement, including compensation for the surrogate mother, payment for prenatal care and delivery expenses, maternity clothing, and travel expenses. It also covers reimbursement for any lost wages during the pregnancy period. 4. Emotional Support: The agreement recognizes the emotional aspect of the surrogacy journey and may include provisions for counseling or therapy for both the surrogate mother and the intended parents. This ensures that everyone involved receives adequate emotional support throughout the process. Different types of Michigan Surrogate Parenting Agreements can include: 1. Traditional Surrogacy Agreement: This agreement involves the use of the surrogate mother's own eggs, making her biologically related to the child. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother may be inseminated using the intended father's sperm or donor sperm. 2. Gestational Surrogacy Agreement: This agreement involves using the intended mother's eggs, donor eggs, or donated embryos. The surrogate mother does not have a biological connection to the child in gestational surrogacy. Overall, the Michigan Surrogate Parenting Agreement serves as a comprehensive legal framework to protect the rights and interests of all parties involved in the surrogacy arrangement. It ensures a smooth and ethical surrogacy process while providing certainty and clarity for everyone involved.