Yes, Missouri permits gestational surrogacy under limited judicial interpretation, though no explicit statute governs the practice. Courts have validated surrogacy contracts since 2018, particularly in St. Louis County, where probate divisions oversee pre-birth parentage orders. The absence of a statewide framework creates reliance on case law, with judges scrutinizing agreements for unconscionability or coercion. A 2026 Missouri Bar Association proposal seeks codification, but as of now, enforcement remains inconsistent across jurisdictions.
Key Regulations for Surrogacy in Missouri
- Pre-birth parentage orders require judicial approval, typically filed in the surrogate’s county of residence; St. Louis and Jackson Counties are most accommodating.
- Compensation limits are not statutorily defined, but courts cap fees at $30,000–$40,000 to prevent exploitation, aligning with American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines.
- Genetic ties are mandatory for intended parents; traditional surrogacy (where the surrogate is biologically related) faces heightened scrutiny and is rarely approved.