Navigating Surrogacy Laws: Insights from Will Halm, Founder of IRLG

Check out ACRC Global's Webinar on International Reproductive Law from expert Will Halm

Introducing Will Halm

Will Halm’s personal journey to parenthood through surrogacy and egg donation not only transformed his own life but also laid the foundation for his advocacy in reproductive law. As the founder of the International Reproductive Law Group (IRLG), Halm has significantly shaped the legal landscape for families built through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community.

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A Personal Path to Advocacy

As a gay father, Halm navigated the complex legal and societal challenges associated with surrogacy, particularly in an era when legal recognition for same-sex parents was limited. His personal journey underscored the disparities in parental rights, where, despite being a biological parent, legal systems often failed to acknowledge his role, necessitating additional legal measures to secure his parental status. Beyond his personal experiences, Halm has been instrumental in advocating for legal reforms to ensure equal parenting rights for LGBTQIA+ families, emphasizing the need for laws that reflect the evolving definitions of family and parenthood in modern society. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by non-traditional families, his experiences inspired the creation of IRLG—a law firm dedicated to helping individuals navigate surrogacy, egg donation, and other ART processes with clarity and confidence.

William Halm with husband, and 3 children born by Surrogacy

Milestones in Reproductive & Surrogacy Law

Since establishing IRLG, Will Halm has achieved numerous groundbreaking legal victories. Most notably, in 1998, he successfully obtained the first parentage judgment for a same-sex couple in a gestational surrogacy case. It wasn't just any case, it was his child, and his family. His fight to have his family recognized not only paved the way for many LGBTQIA+ families, but also highlighted the evolving nature of family and parental rights under the law.

His advocacy extends beyond the courtroom; through public speaking engagements and media appearances, he has raised awareness about the challenges faced by non-traditional families, emphasizing the need for inclusive and equitable legal frameworks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Halm played a pivotal role in developing contingency plans for international clients hindered by travel restrictions, ensuring that newborns were cared for and that parental rights were upheld despite unprecedented global challenges.

Halm's contributions have not only advanced the legal recognition of diverse family structures but have also fostered greater understanding and acceptance of surrogacy as a legitimate and compassionate path to parenthood. His work continues to inspire legal reforms and societal shifts towards embracing the myriad ways families are formed in the modern world.

Political Influence on ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology)

An important topic addressed in Halm’s interview is how shifting political climates affect ART laws and practices. With each election, new policies and regulations can significantly

influence the legal rights of intended parents and surrogates. Halm emphasizes the critical importance of staying informed, engaged, and proactive in advocacy efforts to safeguard and advance reproductive rights.

How Intended Parents Can Stay Informed About Surrogacy Laws

At ACRC we want to make sure that intended parents are informed and up to date with all information surrounding surrogacy both domestic and international. Surrogacy laws vary widely between countries and even between states within the same country. To ensure compliance and safeguard their rights, Intended Parents should take proactive steps to remain informed:

• Consult a Specialized Attorney: At ACRC we work with trusted legal experts across all 48 states and beyond who specialize in third-party reproduction. Our goal is to simplify the process, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most—welcoming your child into the world.

• Regularly Review Legal Updates: Laws can change frequently. Follow reliable news sources, legal blogs, and professional networks that focus specifically on assisted reproduction and surrogacy law.

• Join Support Groups and Networks: Participate in online communities or local support groups where Intended Parents share personal experiences and information about navigating legal processes.

• Attend Workshops and Webinars: At ACRC we host multiple webinars per month with both legal and medical experts. These webinars are open to the public, or you can browse our library on YouTube. Stay current on international and local developments with us!

• Maintain Open Communication with your Surrogacy Agency: Our team of experts are always with you every step of the way. Keeping in regular communication with your case manager about changing laws or requirements that may affect your journey is always available to you.

Staying informed helps Intended Parents navigate their surrogacy journeys with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind, ensuring that their path to parenthood is both legally secure and personally fulfilling.

ACRC Global's Commitment

At ACRC Global, we are proud to align with advocates like Will Halm in our unwavering commitment to supporting intended parents along their journey, and ensure there is never any doubts about their parenthood. Our goal is to ensure all families, regardless of structure, have the support and resources necessary to achieve their dreams of parenthood.

Final Thoughts

The intersection of personal experiences and professional advocacy underscores the importance of robust legal support for families using ART. Halm’s work exemplifies how individual challenges can inspire broader societal change, reinforcing the need for continual progress in reproductive law.

For anyone exploring the possibilities of parenthood through ART, understanding the legal environment and staying engaged with advocacy is essential. Halm’s insights offer both guidance and encouragement, reminding us of all of the power of personal stories to drive meaningful change.

Hear directly from Will Halm and One of our Case Managers Kim in

Watch The Webinar Here!

Explore further resources and connect with IRLG through their official website.

Sources: The Guardian