UPDATE: A South Jersey teacher has been placed on administrative leave after revealing she is serving as a gestational surrogate for a couple. Jadira Bonilla, 35, was informed on September 12, 2023, by administrators at St. Mary School in Vineland that her actions allegedly violated her employment contract.
Bonilla, who has worked at the school for over three years, expressed her distress, stating, “I’m not committing a crime and I’m being punished as if I was. It’s hurtful.” Her situation has ignited a discussion on the Catholic Church’s stance on surrogacy, as Bonilla asserts that neither surrogacy nor in vitro fertilization are mentioned in her contract or employee handbook.
According to school principal Steven Hogan, Bonilla is a “valued” teacher, but the Church’s teachings on surrogacy dictate the school’s policies. Hogan stated, “It has been our hope to meet with her to help her fully understand the Catholic Church’s teaching on surrogacy.”
This incident is not an isolated case; New Jersey courts have ruled that religious institutions can dismiss employees for actions contrary to their beliefs. A significant ruling in 2023 determined that a religious entity is not bound by state discrimination laws when adhering to its faith principles.
Gestational surrogacy is legal in New Jersey, and under existing laws, couples can hire a surrogate while covering her medical and living expenses. Bonilla, who is currently 25 weeks pregnant, previously served as a surrogate at another Catholic school and felt her current role should not be an issue.
In her own words, Bonilla stated, “If they’re going to penalize me, then they’re going to have to penalize every female employee that has done IVF to conceive their own children, because it’s the same thing.” She had already signed a contract with the family she is helping before informing Hogan of her pregnancy.
Bonilla’s journey into surrogacy began at age 18, inspired by her cousin’s inability to carry children. “I said, ‘Listen, if you ever wanted to have kids, I will absolutely carry them for you,’” she recalled. Although her cousin ultimately chose not to have children, Bonilla’s dedication to helping families has remained strong.
As the situation unfolds, Bonilla has received immense support from parents at her school, many of whom have faced similar fertility challenges. “I’ve just received an immense outpour of love and support from so many people,” she said, highlighting the emotional toll of the school’s decision.
The community is watching closely as Bonilla, who loves her job and misses her students, navigates this difficult time. The implications of her case may resonate beyond her individual circumstances, raising questions about employment rights and religious beliefs in education.
The next steps for Bonilla remain uncertain as the Diocese of Camden conducts its investigation. With her future at St. Mary School hanging in the balance, the outcome could set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
