The Baby M Decision

The Baby M decision refers to a landmark 1986 court case in New Jersey involving surrogacy. Mary Beth Whitehead, the surrogate mother, had a biological child, Baby M, but wanted to keep her despite a prior agreement to give the baby to the intended parents, Bill and Elizabeth Stern. The case raised crucial questions about custody, contracts, and parental rights. Eventually, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that the surrogacy contract was invalid and granted custody to the Sterns, but allowed Whitehead visitation rights. This case significantly impacted surrogacy laws and discussions about parental rights in the U.S.