State Lawmaker To Introduce Measure Seeking to Block Sex Offenders from Becoming Parents Through Surrogacy

In response to a viral online story, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) will introduce legislation to close a dangerous loophole in Pennsylvania law that currently allows registered sex offenders to become legal parents through surrogacy arrangements.

“This is about protecting kids – period,” said Bernstine. “The safeguards in place for adopting children should also protect those children born through surrogacy.”

Bernstine’s bill would prohibit registered sex offenders from gaining parental rights through surrogacy agreements. In addition, it would require background checks and child abuse clearances for all intended parents before a pre-birth parentage order is issued.

The legislation comes after online news reports revealed a Tier 1 registered sex offender in Pennsylvania was able to become a legal parent through a surrogate, bypassing adoption laws that would have disqualified him.

“This isn’t about politics. It’s about basic human decency and common sense,” said Bernstine. “No known predator should ever be given the legal right to raise a child in Pennsylvania.”