LOS ANGELES, CA | July 12, 2025
Updated August 2026: Since this article was originally published, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Trump v. Barbara on June 30, 2026, reaffirming birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment for children born in the United States to parents who are unlawfully or temporarily present. International intended parents should continue to obtain current guidance from qualified reproductive and immigration attorneys for their individual circumstances.
As global concerns rise around U.S. surrogacy and citizenship law, Parham Zar, founder and Managing Director of the Egg Donor and Surrogacy Institute (EDSI), offers clarity to international families. He confirms that demand for U.S. surrogacy remains strong. Families are not driven by immigration goals, but by real medical need.
“Many families turn to U.S. surrogacy because they face serious fertility challenges,” said Zar. “They want a clear legal path to parenthood, ethical protection for everyone involved, and access to advanced reproductive care.”
Families Choose the U.S. for Fertility, Not Citizenship Loopholes
EDSI reports that more than half of its intended parents live outside the United States. Many of them have experienced failed IVF cycles, miscarriages, or medical conditions that make pregnancy dangerous. As a result, they choose the United States for its trusted legal system, ethical standards, and leadership in fertility care.
“California is one of the few places in the world where intended parents, including non-citizens, can pursue legal surrogacy,” said Zar. “They receive pre-birth parentage orders and work with top IVF clinics under a protected legal process.”
2026 Supreme Court Decision Reaffirms Birthright Citizenship
Since this article was first published in July 2025, U.S. birthright citizenship has been the subject of significant litigation. In January 2025, an executive order sought to restrict automatic citizenship for certain children born in the United States to parents who were unlawfully or temporarily present.
On June 30, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Trump v. Barbara that children born in the United States to parents who are unlawfully or temporarily present are “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States and are citizens at birth under the Fourteenth Amendment.
For international intended parents pursuing surrogacy, citizenship and parentage remain separate legal issues. Parentage procedures depend on state law and the circumstances of each family. EDSI coordinates with independent reproductive attorneys, but does not provide legal or immigration advice. Families should obtain current advice from qualified counsel before relying on any citizenship or parentage assumption.
“When families follow the correct legal process, they are fully protected,” said Zar. “We work with expert reproductive attorneys who help families secure parentage without fear or confusion.”
Key Trends from EDSI’s 2025 Surrogacy Report
According to EDSI’s 2025 Surrogacy Trends Report, more than half of all intended parents come from outside the United States. This reflects ongoing global demand for a surrogacy system built on legal clarity and medical excellence.mand for a surrogacy system that combines legal clarity, ethical protections, and advanced fertility care.
| Topic | Insight |
| Global Demand | 52 percent of intended parents at EDSI are from outside the United States |
| Surrogate Compensation | First-time surrogates in California receive over $110,000 on average |
| Inclusive Access | One third of intended parents identify as LGBTQ+ |
| Trusted Infrastructure | Cases are coordinated with licensed IVF clinics and reproductive attorneys |
Guidance for Families Considering U.S. Surrogacy
Families considering U.S. surrogacy and citizenship law should speak with experienced legal professionals and ethical agencies like EDSI. In addition to California, several other U.S. states offer similar legal protections. Qualified attorneys can guide families through every step, from screening to final court orders.
This process, when handled properly, shields families from uncertainty. It also secures the birthright citizenship of children born through U.S. surrogacy.
“This is not a loophole,” said Zar. “It is a carefully designed process that allows loving families to have children in a legal, safe, and fully supported way.”
About Parham Zar
Parham Zar is the founder and Managing Director of the Egg Donor and Surrogacy Institute (EDSI) in Los Angeles. With more than 25 years of experience, he has helped over 3000 families grow through surrogacy. Zar is recognized for his work in international surrogacy law, LGBTQ+ parent advocacy, and cross-border fertility coordination. He collaborates with top clinics and attorneys across the country to support ethical and transparent family creation.
Parham Zar is available for interviews or expert comment on surrogacy coordination, international intended parent journeys, agency practices, and ethical third party reproduction in the United States.
Media Contact
Shoshana Djavaheri
Email: edsi@eggdonorandsurrogacy.com
Phone: 310-209-1898
Website: www.eggdonorandsurrogacy.com
