SCOTUS, DeSantis Appointment, and a Billionaire Case Keep Surrogacy in the Spotlight

A Texas judge dismissed surrogate McKenna West from the custody case over the newborn with a heart defect, even as her Supreme Court petition for a stay remains pending. Thirteen states have filed in support of her petition, raising arguments about due process, state sovereignty, and what they characterize as California laws that treat children as property. The dual developments mark a significant procedural moment: West is being removed from the Texas proceeding at the same time the nation's highest court considers whether to intervene.

This case is moving fast on two tracks simultaneously, and the outcome at SCOTUS could land before the Texas proceedings fully conclude. If you are in an interstate surrogacy arrangement, this is the case to follow closely with your attorney.

Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed a Florida trial judge, who previously issued rulings questioning the legal basis for surrogacy arrangements in the state, to Florida's appellate bench. The appointment was reported by both the Tampa Bay Times and the Miami Herald. The judge's earlier surrogacy-related rulings drew attention from fertility lawyers and intended parents already navigating Florida's legal landscape.

An appellate appointment matters more than a trial-level ruling: this judge will now help shape precedent across Florida cases, not just decide individual ones. Florida-based intended parents and surrogates should ask their attorneys whether this changes the risk profile of their specific arrangements.

The New York Post published additional details on the California surrogate who discovered she had been used as part of an alleged mass reproduction network tied to a reclusive Chinese billionaire said to have fathered around 300 children. The report adds texture to the story first covered yesterday, focusing on how the surrogate learned of the arrangement and the billionaire's background. Separately, Rep. Tim Burchett cited the case in a Fox News appearance, calling for Congress to close what he described as a surrogacy loophole that enables foreign nationals to use U.S. surrogates without adequate disclosure.

The congressional attention is worth noting. When individual cases become legislative talking points, regulatory proposals tend to follow. Agencies and attorneys working in cross-border arrangements should watch whether Burchett's remarks lead to a formal bill.

Advocates presented a petition to the United Nations asking the body to formally recognize surrogate motherhood as a new form of slavery, according to a report from EWTN News. The petition frames commercial surrogacy as inherently exploitative and calls for international prohibition. The effort reflects ongoing global pressure from abolition-oriented organizations, including those active at the Casablanca Conference earlier this month.

This is a lobbying effort, not a binding UN action. Still, it signals how organized the abolition movement has become internationally, which is context every intended parent considering cross-border arrangements should have.

Kenya's Daily Nation published an explainer on how Kenyan law approaches surrogacy disputes, centering on the role of written agreements in determining parenthood when conflicts arise. The piece highlights that Kenya has no dedicated surrogacy statute, leaving courts to rely on contract principles and the best interests of the child. It is a useful illustration of the legal gaps that exist in many emerging surrogacy markets.

This one is worth reading if you are exploring surrogacy in any jurisdiction without a dedicated legal framework. The Kenyan experience shows clearly what happens when agreements are the only safety net.

Building a Healthy Relationship With Your Surrogate

The relationship between intended parents and a surrogate is one of the most unique bonds a person can experience — built on trust, shared purpose, and deep mutual respect. When it's nurtured thoughtfully, it becomes one of the most rewarding parts of the entire surrogacy journey for everyone involved.

Clear communication is the foundation. Before the pregnancy even begins, it helps to have an honest conversation about how often you'll be in touch, through which channels, and what kind of updates feel meaningful to both sides. Some surrogates love sending weekly photos or voice messages; others prefer a structured check-in every few weeks. Neither approach is wrong — what matters is that both parties feel comfortable and informed.

Boundaries are not a sign of distance; they're a sign of respect. A surrogate is carrying your child while also managing her own body, her own family, and her own life. Checking in too frequently, or attaching expectations to every appointment, can unintentionally add pressure. Trust that your surrogate is doing everything she can, because she truly is.

For intended parents living far away, small gestures go a long way. A heartfelt card, a care package during the third trimester, or a video call after a major milestone can bridge the physical distance beautifully. Surrogates often share that what they appreciate most is simply feeling seen — not just as a carrier, but as a whole person who has made an extraordinary choice.

When communication styles differ, approach it with curiosity rather than concern. Ask open questions, share your own preferences gently, and lean on your agency coordinator if you ever need support navigating those conversations. This relationship is worth tending carefully — and most people who do find it becomes a genuine and lasting friendship.