E.E. v. O.M.G.R.

SANDSON, J.S.C.

The question presented to the court is whether two parties can enter into a private contract regarding a self-administered “artificial insemination” procedure whereby one party may contract with another to terminate their parental rights. This is a case of first impression under New Jersey law. This court has determined, first, that parties cannot by contract terminate their parental rights under common law. Rather, the termination of parental rights is controlled by statute. Second, the Legislature did not intend for this type of procedure to lead to the termination of…