By: Marla Neufeld, Esq.
In the ever-evolving landscape of assisted reproductive technology, surrogacy stands out as a deeply personal and legally intricate journey. Recently, Marla Neufeld had the pleasure of interviewing Jarret Zafran, Esq., the founder and executive director of Brownstone Surrogacy, on the podcast “The Surrogacy Space.” This blog post aims to share key insights from that conversation, highlighting the unique approach of Brownstone Surrogacy and the pioneering surrogacy laws in New York.
Brownstone Surrogacy, based in New York City, offers a comprehensive and empathetic approach to surrogacy. Jarret Zafran, an accomplished attorney, founded the agency after his personal experience with surrogacy. His journey as a parent through surrogacy informs his approach, making the agency more empathetic and client-centered. This personal touch helps in understanding the emotional complexities of surrogacy, ensuring that both surrogates and intended parents feel supported throughout the process.
The name “Brownstone” reflects the agency’s commitment to building strong, supportive families, much like the iconic brownstone homes of New York City symbolize stability and community. Additionally, the puffin, Brownstone’s mascot, represents the careful planning and shared responsibilities inherent in the surrogacy journey. Puffins are known for their intentional breeding practices and equal parenting roles, mirroring the collaboration between surrogates and intended parents.
New York’s surrogacy laws, particularly the Child Parent Security Act (CPSA), provide unique protections for surrogates and intended parents. The CPSA sets ethical standards for surrogacy, ensuring better protections and fostering trust in the process. One of the standout features is the Surrogates’ Bill of Rights, which guarantees bodily autonomy and the right to independent legal counsel for surrogates. These protections are crucial in maintaining transparency and fairness in surrogacy agreements.
Brownstone Surrogacy offers an all-inclusive model, providing ongoing support throughout the surrogacy journey. This model ensures that clients receive assistance from initial inquiries to post-delivery, making the experience more reassuring. The agency emphasizes open communication between surrogates and intended parents, aligning expectations early to prevent misunderstandings and anxiety during the journey.
Brownstone Surrogacy exemplifies a thoughtful and ethical approach to surrogacy, guided by personal experience and a commitment to best practices. New York’s progressive surrogacy laws further enhance this framework, offering robust protections for all parties involved. As the surrogacy landscape continues to evolve, agencies like Brownstone set a high standard for professionalism and empathy in building families through surrogacy.
For more information on Brownstone Surrogacy, visit their website at www.brownstonesurrogacy.com or follow them on social media. If you have any questions or legal needs related to surrogacy, feel free to contact Marla Neufeld at [email protected].