The Acts of Convention

Resolved, That the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church recognize surrogacy as a complex issue, for parents-to-be, surrogates, and for the industry that enables this practice, both in the United States and globally, acknowledging the potential exploitation of surrogates, and with particular attention to the well-being of all parties, but particularly the most vulnerable; and be it further

Resolved, That the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church recognize the increasing prevalence of surrogacy, in the United States and internationally, and call for robust laws and protections for surrogates and parents-to-be as well as moral discernment for all involved; and be it further

Resolved, That the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church recognize the challenges that come from economic inequality that necessitate decisions that may not be in the best interest in terms of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of surrogates, while also honoring the challenges of many individuals and couples who face infertility and other challenges in creating a family of all parties involved; and be it further

Resolved, That the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church support public policies that understand the importance of the surrogate relationship as more than a financial transaction; that protect the surrogate from the emotional, physical and financial exploitation that can occur; and that attend to the surrogate’s emotional, physical, and spiritual needs both during and after pregnancy, including in the vulnerable post-partum period, when many women and others who give birth suffer mental and physical effects.