US Federal House Bill HB7040

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/13/26

Caption

SAFE KIDS Act Stopping Adversarial Foreign Exploitation of Kids In Domestic Surrogacy Act

Impact

If passed, HB 7040 would have substantial implications for laws governing surrogacy in the United States. Specifically, the bill invalidates any surrogacy contracts that involve a surrogate mother who is a U.S. citizen or resident and a prospective parent from a foreign entity of concern. Furthermore, this act imposes penalties on surrogacy brokers who facilitate such contracts, thereby removing or limiting the commercial viability of international surrogacy arrangements. The bill intends to restructure the landscape of surrogacy to protect domestic women and uphold national security.

Summary

House Bill 7040, known as the SAFE KIDS Act, seeks to combat the exploitation of domestic surrogacy systems by foreign entities of concern. This legislation addresses concerns that these entities exploit surrogacy laws to manipulate financially distressed women in the United States into bearing children, raising significant national security alarms. Congress asserts that this practice has led to severe consequences, including instances of human trafficking linked to surrogacy in the country. Thus, the bill aims to invalidate surrogacy agreements established between U.S. surrogate mothers and individuals from these foreign entities.

Contention

The proposed legislation has prompted debates over the potential implications for family structures and personal freedoms. Advocates assert that HB 7040 will safeguard vulnerable women from exploitation and human trafficking, citing a legitimate national interest. However, critics warn that the bill could restrict legitimate surrogacy options for couples seeking to grow their families. The narrow scope of acceptable surrogacy practices under this law raises questions regarding personal autonomy and the rights of prospective parents, particularly in cases where parental rights are contested in a contentious or volatile context.