UNION CITY AND BEYOND — Stephen Melinger, 62, described in the New York Times as an elementary school principal in Union City, is single and wanted to become a father. So five years ago, he put together donors and hired a surrogate through an Indiana agency to carry and give birth to babies, according to the Times.
But when the twin girls were born, the hospital became worried when he showed up with his pet bird, according to the New York Times. The staff also complained that he allegedly planned to drive the premature infants 12 hours home to Union City.
Eventually, he was able to take the babies home.
However, more recently, a woman who saw him with them in the park told the police that they weren’t dressed properly, according to the Times.
However, Melinger’s doctor and others testified on his behalf.
His legal case for the adoption of the twins is continuing, but for now, he gets to keep the girls.
The case is one of those featured in the cover story in the Sunday Times this weekend about the thorny legal issues regarding surrogates.
The story also has a picture of Melinger, who declined to comment for the story. He seems caught off guard, about to enter an apartment in his coat.
The Times did speak to Anthony Carbone of Jersey City, Melinger’s lawyer, for the article.
Union City principal fights to keep twins born to surrogate
