Minnesota Surrogate Parenting Agreement is a legal document that enables individuals or couples, often referred to as intended parents, to dictate the terms and conditions of a surrogacy arrangement in the state of Minnesota. Surrogacy is an assisted reproductive method where a woman, known as the surrogate or gestational carrier, carries and delivers a child for another individual or couple. In Minnesota, there are different types of surrogate parenting agreements, each with its own specificities and legal requirements. The most common types include: 1. Traditional Surrogacy Agreement: This agreement involves a surrogate mother who is genetically related to the child she carries. In this case, artificial insemination is used, utilizing either the sperm of the intended father or a donor if needed. The traditional surrogate agrees to relinquish her parental rights to the child upon birth. 2. Gestational Surrogacy Agreement: This type of agreement involves a surrogate mother who is not genetically related to the child she carries. In gestational surrogacy, an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents' genetic material or donor gametes is implanted into the surrogate's uterus. The gestational carrier has no legal parental rights over the child. The Minnesota Surrogate Parenting Agreement involves a detailed description of various aspects related to the surrogacy arrangement. It typically includes the following key elements: 1. Parties Involved: The agreement identifies the intended parents (either an individual or a couple) and the surrogate mother, including their full legal names and contact information. 2. Terms and Conditions: This section outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved during pregnancy, delivery, and post-birth. It includes arrangements for prenatal care, medical decisions, and any agreed-upon compensation or reimbursement for the surrogate. It may also address issues such as the surrogate's lifestyle choices during pregnancy, insurance coverage, and termination of pregnancy in case of severe fetal abnormalities. 3. Parental Rights and Consents: The agreement stipulates that the surrogate mother has no intention of asserting parental rights over the child and agrees to relinquish those rights upon birth. It may also entail provisions regarding the intended parents' responsibilities, such as their commitment to accept and care for the child, regardless of any potential disabilities or health conditions. 4. Confidentiality and Privacy: This clause ensures the confidentiality of all parties involved, prohibiting them from disclosing personal and sensitive information related to the surrogacy arrangement without explicit consent. 5. Legal Considerations: The agreement acknowledges that the intended parents will seek legal parentage of the child after birth through a court process. It may also specify that the agreement is subject to Minnesota state laws, outlining the statutory requirements that need to be fulfilled for its validity. It is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney specializing in assisted reproductive law to draft a Minnesota Surrogate Parenting Agreement tailored to comply with state regulations and protect the rights and interests of all parties involved.