Episode 17: Family Building and Advocacy: Securing Rights for All Families

Welcome to a very special episode of The Family Circle featuring guest host Dean Hutchison, Circle's Vice President of Legal, and his two exceptional guests: Kate LeBlanc, Executive Director of Resolve New England, and Polly Crozier, Director of Family Advocacy at GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD). Together, they delve into the Massachusetts Parentage Act, a groundbreaking bill that aims to establish gender-inclusive parentage statutes and champion the rights of diverse families. Their discussion here today stands as a profound exploration of the importance of advocacy, and provides invaluable insights on how individuals can actively engage in this noble cause and drive real change for children and families. 

Two vital themes are interwoven throughout their conversation: the immense significance of advocacy in the realm of family building and the enormous impact of the Massachusetts Parentage Act. Our trio sheds light on the essential role of personal narratives and grassroots movements in effecting lasting transformations and securing equal rights for families from diverse backgrounds. Taking a deep dive into the intricacies of the Massachusetts Parentage Act, they highlight its mission - to establish comprehensive and inclusive parentage statutes while safeguarding the rights of children born through assisted reproduction and surrogacy. They also emphasize the urgent need for this transformative bill, particularly in Massachusetts, which currently stands as the last state in the region to update its parentage laws. Rest assured that you are in for an enlightening and empowering experience as you listen in today as Dean, Kate, and Polly inspire you to take decisive action and lend your voice to the resounding chorus advocating for the rights of LGBTQIA+ families. The time for change is now.

Episode Highlights:

• The importance of advocacy and ways individuals can get involved
• Overview of the Massachusetts Parentage Act and its purpose 
• Addressing gaps in current parentage laws and advocating for clarity and inclusivity
• Impact of the bill on LGBTQIA+ families and children's rights
• Urgency to update parentage laws in Massachusetts
• Significance of Massachusetts as a hub of reproductive healthcare and the need to protect all families
• Calls to action for listeners to engage, contact legislators, and support the Massachusetts Parentage Act

Here are links to websites mentioned in this episode:

Circle Surrogacy

Resolve New England

GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders

The Massachusetts Parentage Act

Thank you for listening!

If you'd like to learn more about surrogacy, you can visit our website. If you'd like to chat with one of our team members, please reach out:

• Become a surrogate (email: applications@circlesurrogacy.com)
• Become a parent (email: info@circlesurrogacy.com)
• Become an egg donor (email: eggdonation@circlesurrogacy.com)

We'd love to hear your story and see how we can support you.