Protecting Families

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Protecting Families

GLAD Law is working across the country to update state laws to affirm and protect contemporary families. Visit the resources below for information on how LGBTQ+ individuals, spouses, and non-marital partners can take steps to ensure protections for their families.

Victories:

Connecticut

In 2021, the Connecticut Parentage Act was signed into law. Learn more about the law and the We CARE Coalition.

Hawaii

In 2025, Hawaii enacted the Hawai i Uniform Parentage Act, which creates clear processes for parentage establishment, including for families that use assisted reproduction and surrogacy, and ensuring equal treatment of children regardless of their parents’ marital status or gender.

Rep. Jeff Currey, Lisa Rosenthall, Professor Doug NeJaime, advocates Stephanie and Denise, and Patience Crozier — Connecticut Rep. Jeff Currey, Lisa Rosenthall, Professor Doug NeJaime, advocates Stephanie and Denise, and GLAD Law’s Polly Crozier

Illinois

In 2025, the Illinois legislature passed comprehensive parentage protections in the Equality for Every Family Act.

Massachusetts

In 2025, the Massachusetts Parentage Act went into effect. Learn more about the MA Parentage Act.

Maine

In 2016, the Maine Parentage Act went into effect, becoming the first New England state to sign legislation into law modeled on the Uniform Parentage Act.

Governor Healey signing the Massachusetts Parentage Act at the State House, surrounded by legislative leaders and advocates — Massachusetts Governor Healey signing the Massachusetts Parentage Act surrounded by advocates and lawmakers

Michigan

In April 2025, the Michigan Family Protection Act went into effect. The law updates pathways to legal protections for parents, legalizes and regulates surrogacy, and expands access to parentage forms.

New Hampshire

In 2020, New Hampshire passed important updates to parentage laws.

New Mexico

In March 2025, New Mexico expanded access to confirmatory adoption for families that use IVF.

Oregon

In June 2025, Oregon updated its parentage laws with the Oregon Uniform Parentage Act. This law comprehensively reforms Oregon’s laws on parentage, assisted reproduction, and surrogacy.

Rhode Island

In 2021, the Rhode Island Uniform Parentage Act took effect. Learn about Rhode Islanders for Parentage Equality and the law.

In 2023, Rhode Island passed legislation that will ensure LGBTQ+ families access to confirmatory adoption. Learn more.

Vermont

In 2018, Vermont passed the state’s version of the Uniform Parentage Act of 2017. Read our FAQ about this important law.

In 2025, Vermont updated the adoption process to make it more streamlined and efficient for parents seeking an adoption decree to confirm an existing parent-child relationship.

Share Your Story

We’re fighting for a simple truth – love makes a family. And your story helps show what’s at stake: Real children. Real families. Real lives.

Make a difference at GLADLaw.org/FamilyStories.

Parents and families can learn more about their rights through GLAD Law’s Know Your Rights resources.