BILL REQ. #:  S-3725.1 

Read first time 01/20/2006.   Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

     AN ACT Relating to children born from embryos transferred during assisted reproduction; and adding a new section to chapter 26.26 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 26.26 RCW to read as follows:
     A child born to a woman as the result of the implantation of an embryo, which was donated by the genetic parents, or any person or entity with the legal authority to transfer such embryo, is presumed to be the adopted child of the woman and, if married, of her husband. All legal authority to transfer the embryo, and the parental rights of the embryo donor, shall be irrevocably terminated in accordance with the terms of a written instrument executed prior to the implantation or the thawing and implantation of the embryo. A child born as the result of such an embryo implantation shall be afforded all of the legal rights and protection of any child adopted under the laws of this state.
     Upon application to a court of competent jurisdiction, the parent or parents of such a child shall be entitled to, but not required to obtain, a decree confirming the parent-child relationship. This section shall not apply to a child born to a surrogate mother who is not genetically related to the child and who executes an appropriate agreement not inconsistent with the laws of this state.