Mary Beth Whitehead

Date of Birth: June 9, 1957

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Biography

Mary Beth Whitehead is an American woman who became famous during the 1980s due to her involvement in a highly publicized surrogacy case. Born and raised in New Jersey, Whitehead initially agreed to serve as a surrogate mother for William and Elizabeth Stern. However, after the birth of the child, whom she named “Baby M,” Whitehead decided she wanted to keep the baby, leading to a prolonged legal battle that captivated the nation. The case eventually reached the New Jersey Supreme Court, which ruled that surrogacy contracts for money were invalid, but awarded custody to the Sterns while granting Whitehead visitation rights. The case had a significant impact on surrogacy laws in the United States.

5 Interesting Facts about Mary Beth Whitehead

1. Mary Beth Whitehead was the first American surrogate mother to be involved in a legal case that reached the Supreme Court.

2. The “Baby M” case led to significant changes in surrogacy laws, making it a landmark legal precedent.

3. Whitehead’s story was widely covered in the media, including newspapers, magazines, and television programs.

4. She wrote a book titled “A Mother’s Story,” detailing her experiences during the surrogacy case.

5. The case raised ethical and moral questions about surrogacy, leading to widespread public debate.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mary Beth Whitehead

1. “I never realized how much I would love my own child until I held her.”

2. “This case was not just about a contract; it was about a human life.”

3. “The love of a mother for her child cannot be quantified or contracted.”

4. “I wanted to give a couple the gift of a child, but I also found the gift of my own motherhood.”

5. “The law must protect the human element in surrogacy arrangements.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Mary Beth Whitehead’s highest net worth achieved remains undisclosed, as she is primarily known for her involvement in the “Baby M” case rather than for financial achievements.

Children

Mary Beth Whitehead has several children, including the child known as “Baby M,” who was eventually named Melissa Stern by her biological parents, the Sterns. She also has other children from her marriage.